Team Israel will have a familiar face leading its dugout at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
The Israel Association of Baseball announced that Ian Kinsler will return as manager, continuing a relationship that began when he represented the country as a player during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and managed the squad in the 2023 WBC.
We have our skipper back!
Kinsler to manager Team Israel at the 2026 WBC.@WBCBaseball @JBallNews https://t.co/uKYNOI6PCH
— Israel Baseball 🇮🇱⚾️ (@ILBaseball) March 20, 2025
“I’m honored to be leading the team for the 2026 WBC,” Kinsler said via IsraelBaseball.org. “This will be our third World Baseball Classic, and we continue to improve our players and process. I think everyone is excited about this team. I know I am.”
Kinsler brings elite-level experience, with 1,999 career hits, two Gold Gloves, four All-Star selections, and a 2018 World Series title with the Boston Red Sox. He helped Team USA win the 2017 WBC, giving him a unique perspective as both a player and manager on the world stage.
Team Israel will compete in Pool D at loanDepot Park in Miami from March 6-11, 2026, alongside Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, the Netherlands, and a qualifier nation. Miami will also host the semifinals and the championship game from March 15-17.
Israel, ranked No. 19 in the World Baseball Rankings by the WBSC, will feature a mix of players from MLB organizations and their minor league affiliates, along with domestic players active in the national team program.
Kinsler’s return offers stability to a program still building its international identity. Israel went 1-3 during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, earning its lone win with a 3-1 victory over Nicaragua at loanDepot Park. The team dropped its other games in Pool D to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela.
With Venezuela and the Dominican Republic once again in their group, Kinsler now has a clearer picture of the offensive threats his pitching staff will face when Israel takes the field in Miami.
Kinsler drew criticism during the 2017 World Baseball Classic for comments about how players from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic express emotion on the field, but his continued involvement in international competition reflects a broader engagement with the global game.
“He’s a top-notch human being,” said Dr. Jordy Alter, President of the Israel Association of Baseball. “His commitment goes beyond managing the team.”
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Dean Kremer and Philadelphia Phillies catcher Garrett Stubbs expressed excitement about Kinsler’s return. “He was an awesome manager the first go-round,” Kremer said.
Kinsler also plays a key role in recruiting. Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman, eligible under Israel’s Law of Return, hinted on the Menschwarmers Podcast that he and other Jewish players could appear on the 2026 roster. “We might have to make an appearance in the next WBC together,” Bregman said.
As Israel prepares for its third WBC appearance, Kinsler brings the leadership and credibility needed to compete on the international stage, both on and off the field.
Before the WBC, Israel will participate in the 2025 European Baseball Championship from September 20–27. Senago, Italy; Rotterdam, Netherlands; and Borgerhout, Belgium, will host the tournament, which gives Israel’s federation officials another opportunity to evaluate talent for their official 2026 WBC roster.
Israel, the Netherlands, Italy, Great Britain, and the Czech Republic will return from the WBSC Europe sector for their second consecutive WBC appearance. All five teams will begin WBC play on March 6, 2026.
 Colombia, Chinese Taipei, Nicaragua, and Brazil have secured WBC berths but have not yet been assigned to pools by World Baseball Classic Inc. and Major League Baseball officials.
2026 World Baseball Classic Information
Colombia, Chinese Taipei, Nicaragua, and Brazil have secured berths in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, but WBC Inc. and Major League Baseball have not yet assigned them to specific pools.
The United States, Italy, Mexico, Great Britain, and a Qualifier nation will compete at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas, from March 6-11 in Pool B.Â
Puerto Rico, Cuba, Canada, Panama, and a Qualifier nation will compete in San Juan, Puerto Rico, at Hiram Bithorn Stadium from March 6-11 in Pool A.Â
Japan, Australia, South Korea, Czech Republic, and a Qualifier nation will compete at the Tokyo Dome from March 5-10 in Pool C.Â
The Quarterfinals of the 2026 WBC will feature the Pool A runner-up facing the Pool B winner on March 13, while the Pool B runner-up will face the Pool A winner on March 14 at Daikin Park.
The other side of the Quarterfinals will be on March 13, with the Pool C runner-up playing the Pool D winner, and the Pool D runner-up will play the Pool C winner on March 14 at loanDepot Park.Â
The 2026 WBC semifinals will be held on March 15 and 16 at loanDepot Park, with the championship game on March 17.
Photo by LM Otero / AP
