2026 WBC Host Sites - the Right Choices?

[@alejandroarakelian4818]

Texas has a large Czech community, I could see Czechia in Houston

[@scottythegreat1]

It could happen. Its easy to put Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic together, or Japan and South Korea, or Italy and Holland, or the US, Canada and Mexico (which they wont do this time). The Czech Republic could really go anywhere, I dont know who their rivals are in baseball. You could put them with other European teams. Even then, outside of Panama going up against other South American teams, where do you put the other teams that finished fourth in their pools?? You could look at it from where teams finished in the position in their pool in 2023, and you can look at what their WBSC rating is. I tried to do both.

[@maikotter9945]

"Czechxas"

[@user-qk2rc2ik8l]

🗣️🗣️ America should give it its all in this tournament.🔥🔥

[@haydenallen23]

Good for Houston but would also love to see dodger stadium and petco park host games

[@BlueLightningBaseball]

I hope they put have a pool in havana one day. I know there are political tensions, but their stadium is the second largest in the world, and Cuba has a huge baseball tradition

[@user-qe6gp2lt9k]

Could you please make a video introducing the groups in the WBC 2025 qualifiers or predicting the countries likely to advance? form TW fans

[@scottythegreat1]

Most people predict Chinese Taipei and Colombia because they've played before and have a high enough ranking in the WBSC. It's the other 2 spots that are up in the air. I've picked Spain and Germany as the other 2 teams. However, Brazil, Nicaragua, France, Curacao and China could possibly qualify (there are other countries as well)

[@bbslugger8]

Favorites are Colombia, Taiwan, Curacao and Nicaragua, next class is comprised of Brazil, Germany, Spain, Argentina below that should be China, France, NZ, Pakistan, Phillipines

[@davelb87]

Would have loved to see the tournament back in Toronto now that the SkyDome renovations are done, but that’s also personal since it’s a 4-hour drive. Maybe move the Miami opening round north of the border with a US/Canada/GB centered group. Having been to both parks, I’d probably lean Santo Domingo over San Juan (Hiram Bithorn needs a facelift), but either will be fun.

[@scottythegreat1]

The problem with Toronto is that the only time they sold out was when they played the US. Rogers Centre is a great venue for this. It's good to have a pool there if they want to have the first round stay completely out of the US. I'm a Canadian too, and Rogers Centre is an hour drive and 40 minute train ride away. I didn't go in 2009, but I'd love to go to see it too.

[@willdiaz6050]

I’m sad that there aren’t any host cities closer to Southern California, but that’s just for selfish reasons. I’ve been to all but one WBC, and I truly love the tournament. Also, in my opinion, Puerto Rico is not the U.S. in all but legal standing. It’s a good choice to host Caribbean baseball. D.R. should get it next time though. Thanks for the update!

[@javiojeda521]

I was hoping for one of the host cities to be in Europe for pool play. Have it be all or mostly European teams, I know it would be a huge risk but if you put it in the Czech Republic, Italy, or the Netherlands and you choose a stadium of around 20,000 you could see some big crowds. Like I said, it would be a huge risk but I think it would be worth it at least once for the boost in attention to baseball in Europe. And especially since Europeans take international competitions so seriously there’s a higher likely hood of there being attention given to the competition. At least from the countries participating.

[@virgiliomartinezerickson8044]

It'll be cool if the next London Series do well enough for MLB considering London as one of the hosts cities for the 2029 WBC

[@scottythegreat1]

It would work if a European team finishes first in their pool and makes the final four, and then, has a venue of at least 20,000 seats. I don't know if any European teams have a baseball only venue and the fans to come out. Most Italian, Dutch, and Israel players play the game in the US.

[@timv17]

The Netherlands meets the athletic requirements you mentioned and we would definitely fill out a 20,000 capacity stadium if WBC would come here but our biggest baseball only stadium has an 8,000 capacity. They did build an expandable baseball stadium that could fit 30,000 people about ten years ago when MLB announced the first European Series to be held in Amsterdam but then for someone reason, they pivoted to London last minute and now the stadium is just out there and the local municipality feels screwed over by MLB and doesn't want to keep developing it. ​@@scottythegreat1

[@pdemp5780]

I agree with you. There is Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, Czech Republic, and likely one other European team to qualify. It just makes sense to give Europe a chance and plus it would make news across the continent. Have them play in Stadio Steno Borghese located in Nettuno, Italy. Baseball is huge is that city and the 8k stadium would surely sell out. Is my thoughts and I feel like this is a missed opportunity for the WBC

[@JTD73190]

One of the issues with this is it is in the WBC is in March and weather in Europe is a big issue until like late-May. They’d have to find a venue with a retractable roof and they’d have trouble filling seats. I’d like to see Australia host at one of their cricket stadiums like MLB did for Dodgers-Dbacks

[@dominicanball2361]

I would love a World Baseball Classic here in Santo Domingo!

[@pdemp5780]

When I see your videos pop up on my KZbin, I get excited. Thank you for your focus on international baseball and covering it so well

[@ericfernandez3871]

Israel shouldn’t even be in the tournament just a second American team lol

[@scottythegreat1]

Youve got the pools somewhat right I made a few adjustments (this is how I originally drew it up): Pool A - Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Czech Republic, Spain Bool B - Mexico, Australia, Holland, Great Britain, Germany Pool C - Japan, Italy, South Korea, Israel, Chinese Taipei Pool D - US, Venezeula, Canada, Panama, Colombia Rationale: Pool A - I know the WBC wants to keep the rivalry between Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic intact, but Id put Panama in another pool, so I put the Czech Republic in there. I called this pool, the battle of the Caribbean (If Curacao does qualify, Id be putting them here instead) Pool B - Mexico is the everyone else pool. Australia made it to the second round, and Holland has done it before too. You could shuffle Britain with Israel, but Ill stick to this. As for Holland/Curacao, Id shuffle Holland and Panama if this happens, but Im going to make it look like theyre drawing this up before they know who qualifies. Pool C - Sure Australia seems logical, but thats already a tough pool once you add who will likely be Chinese Taipei. You basically have 2023's Japanese pool all over again with Chinese Taipei. I shuffled Australia and Czech Republic out for that reason. Sadly, whoever draws in the 4 spot in this pool is likely going to lose every game no matter how you cut it (Israel has the best chance of the 4 teams that finished 4th in 2023 in their pool). Pool D - Thats about right, but I figured the Panama/Colombia/Venezulela rivalry might draw some better TV ratings. I considered having the US and Canada play Holland, Italy and Germany (or another European team that qualified) (A NATO battle, so to speak). I would then put the Inland Central American teams in the pool with Mexico, the organizers might do this. I personally like the rematch between the US and Venezuela from the second round of 2023. I know Id love to see Mexico play the Dominican Republic (theyve never crossed paths in the WBC). They might consider this I wouldnt mind seeing the US play the commonwealth (Australia, Canada, Britain), but thats not likely to happen. As a Canadian, I wouldnt mind seeing them in a pool thats NOT including the US, just to get them to play a few different teams. Im hoping to see Canada play Puerto Rico, Holland or Australia at some point. I wouldnt mind an Italian rematch either.

[@scottythegreat1]

As for hosting venues: I also expected Mexico to host a round this time around, I was expecting South Korea to possibly host as well. It didnt happen. I like how they did it in 2009. The first round had NO US venues. I liked that. Each pool and subsequent round should be done in a different venue, that way youre flying to another city for the next round and theres no comfort in staying in the same hotel room for the tournament. Weve had The United States Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Taiwan host a round since this started. The WBC has to get out of it's US state of mind and stretch out to a few other countries. The Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Panama could easily host a WBC first round as well. I know all about Cuba's relationship with the United States makes going there difficult, but they have the facilities and the fans to do it. All of these countries are capable hosts, but Im not sure if the WBC is ready to host a final outside the US. The fans wont show up unless their team makes the final, and its too risky to make that decision. As for the US: Miami and Arizona are capable venues for the first round due to proximity of MLB Spring Training, but they should venture north as well. Im glad Houston is hosting, but I think Atlanta, Seattle, Arlington, Washington, Baltimore, Milwaukee, Chicago, and New York City would be perfect hosts. Some of these places may be a bit cold in March, but Id give them a chance.

[@KennyC-CSGO]

I like how you split up the team, I am so excited for the tournament!

[@ContentHelmet-di7kf]

Love your videos ! Any updates with baseball standings around the world ?

[@VMan29397]

My one concern for Puerto Rico as a puerto rican is the power grid actually gonna hold up

[@jasonmontero8579]

I think you should switch DR and Venezuela. The WBC knows that DR games in Miami are huge ESPECIALLY if its against the USA. They wouldn't miss on that opportunity. Also, Puerto Rico vs Venezuela in San Juan is a good titanic clash for that group. It would be like Mexico vs USA in Arizona last year.

[@michaelengelhardt5336]

Let's be honest, they picked Miami for all 3 rounds because it's the only way to fill that ballpark

[@junioraranton5718]

Cuba was "weak" in the semifinals because only three active major leaguers were on the roster. Cuba is the 4th country with the most players in the MLB and had the most foreign born players in last year's All Star Game. With politics out of the way Cuba is one of the top four teams in the WBC.

[@scottythegreat1]

Cuba can easily host if it weren't for US relations. The WBC is a puppet controlled by Rob Manfred.

[@camarada7274]

israel being in there but no cuba is bullshit

[@rigobertobautistaperez3245]

Presente en primera fila lo mejor de lo mejor Béisbol Clásico Mundial

[@edmorris2191]

Tokyo Dome is old and worn out. Plenty of other domes in Japan to host, could even split it up. Hopefully next time they go with the Taiwan dome.

[@KazeShikamaru]

Tokyo Dome is classic though.

[@Orenpine10]

Would love to see Israel play in the US. I would 100% go to see my home nation

[@DJWebster95]

Personally, here's how I would've drawn it up: Pool A - Tokyo (JPN, AUS, KOR, CZE, qualifier) Pool B - Mexico City (MEX, VEN, PAN, ITA, qualifier) Pool C - Toronto (CAN, USA, GBR, NED, qualifier) Pool D - Miami (P.R., D.R., CUBA, ISR, qualifier) Quarterfinal 1 - San Diego (A+B) Quarterfinal 2 - Texas (Arlington) (C+D) *I'd make the quarterfinal round double-elimination Championship round (semi's, bronze, final) - Los Angeles

[@dominicanball2361]

There's just one problem. The USA has to play in the USA. If a team has a host ballpark, then it's already assured they will play in it.

[@scottythegreat1]

@@dominicanball2361 not always. In 2009, they didn't. The US played in Toronto that year.

[@scottythegreat1]

The reason I believe Cuba is in Puerto Rico in this tournament is because of the political situation with the US. They won't put Cuba in the US in the first round, and they sure won't put Cuba and Japan together.

[@dominicanball2361]

@@scottythegreat1 Ok, that's fine, but I feel they wouldn't do that today, but maybe they do.

[@robertbaird5016]

LA has the 28 Olympics, so not expecting any sympathy. But I was looking forward to the 26 WBC and planning to skip Olympic baseball (in favor of volleyball and track). We only got two Copa America matches this summer too. My kids were too young for WBC in 2017, and they'll be in high school by 2029.

[@user-ew5li2xv5d]

前回ベスト4が別々の組になるとの事ですのでその前提で、優勝候補がどの組に入るか予想すると 東京:日本 ヒューストン:メキシコ、ベネズエラ マイアミ:アメリカ、ドミニカ サンファン:キューバ、プエルトリコ 後はアジア勢が東京に来そうとしか予想できません キューバはMLB選手が増えそうですし、イタリアもアジアに来ないのなら、もっと充実しそうですね

[@elyfel1183]

Should eventually consider bidding for the Quarterfinal and Final Rounds... like you can still have your Pool Play Destinations around the world but the Quarterfinals and Beyond would be played at the Host Country. As far as pool play... I'm tired of seeing 3 US cities picked every time... Miami is a good choice, and Tokyo is the obvious choice... Houston should've been Mexico City (or Caracas), and San Juan should've been Santiago or Santo Domingo. I think maybe (for the European Clubs) Toronto could work as a host city (I know it's March, but Rogers Centre has a roof and it's a much shorter flight than to Houston, I don't even like Canada and I'm recommending them). I would've liked Taichung or Taipei, but obviously they haven't qualified, so maybe for the future. Also Australia maybe could host in the future.

[@flamingfrancis]

It should be renamed to the Northern Hemisphere Classic, unlike the former IBAF World Cup and the Intercontinental Cup it will never be played elsewhere.

[@FireboltPrime]

Well then tell Brazil, Australia and the like to start building WBC level baseball stadiums

[@khaikhuc1432]

Is a grand sendoff too much to ask for the historic Meiji Jingu before demolition? Tokyo Dome is getting bland as a host imo.

[@bamesbamesbames]

Travel logistics mean everything. This is why LA or anywhere in Europe will never be a host city

[@RobSmith-ye3rk]

Eventually I would like to see more done in South America

[@scottythegreat1]

Panama can do it. Rod Carew stadium is decent enough

[@RobSmith-ye3rk]

I think Colombia has a new stadium

[@nyfinest017]

I'm sorry, did they forget how the Dominican Republic has a big presence in baseball? They could have dropped Houston, and let's not forget how the country has the facilities to accommodate fans. San Juan or Puerto Rico is still recovering from all of the destruction of the hurricanes and earthquake.

[@mavensbaseball]

The winner of the WBC should get to host the final for the next WBS

[@flamingfrancis]

If baseball is to be more accepted globally the Ivory Tower administrators need to extract their digits and get it seen at more global venues. If the venues are not there then build them and they will come.

[@dayandsauce]

Wonder if we dropped Taiwan for geopolitical reasons

[@xavierc4341]

Bro they need add a Latin American country to host

[@RyanBaldrick]

Puerto Rico is a country but not national country

[@44song]

3 out of 4 stadiums are from USA. Does this truly represent the word WORLD??

[@DanielA-eg1cx]

Venezuela has a better stadium that Puerto rico. Monumental simon bolivar

[@KazeShikamaru]

Weather and travel is going to hold this tournament back but here is the thing though. You aren't going to have players travel across the globe ehen they have to prepare for the season. This will be how it should be. Sorry dude.

[@Scubadeer28]

It's a real shame Houston was chosen to host. The WBC could have chosen a place that is more deserving, like Afghanistan or North Korea.

[@harmindersingh215]

Racist

[@Scubadeer28]

@@harmindersingh215 Um, racist towards who?

[@VMan29397]

🤡

[@albertoramirez1918]

Good Day Baseball International, can you please feature a newly created Professional Baseball League in the 🇵🇭 Philippines? It is called LIGA Baseball Philippines. They also have a Official Facebook Page of the League. (Sorry I couldn't put a link here including the news because my comment will be deleted by KZbin. I am just one of the Baseball Fan in the Philippines. Thank you for spreading ⚾ Baseball in the world.