
WBC 2026: Five-Tier Preview of 20 Teams From Juggernauts to Cinderella Contenders
Grant Brisbee sorts the 20 World Baseball Classic entrants into five tiers, placing Japan, the Dominican Republic and the other juggernauts at the top, then serious contenders like Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Korea and Mexico; followed by hungry Cinderella teams such as Canada, the Netherlands and Italy; a fourth tier of squads that can still threaten the favorites; and seed-level teams hoping to make noise and extend their WBC lifelines for 2029. He notes the rosters atop the tiers are loaded with MLB stars and top prospects, while the lower tiers lean on momentum and younger players, framing the event as a high-stakes tournament with pool play on the horizon.






