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World Baseball Classic format, explained: How qualifying, pool play, standings and more work in the WBC

Here's your guide to the format for baseball's premiere international event.

How does the World Baseball Classic work? See schedule, format, rules

The 2026 World Baseball Classic is underway. What are the WBC rules? Who are the favorites to win? Here's what to know, including how to watch on TV.

How Italy became the darlings (and contenders, too) of the World Baseball Classic

With espresso shots, kisses on the cheek and Andrea Bocelli singalongs, Team Italy has charmed the baseball world. But their mission is more ambitious: Turn Italy into a bona fide baseball factory.
NBC Los Angeles

When did baseball start in Japan and how did it become so popular?

The country has dominated the World Baseball Classic in the 2000s, but its baseball history started long before.