A national baseball team that unites the best from the American League and the best from the National League begins its quest for World Baseball Classic glory on Friday night when it opens pool play against Brazil at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas.
For Team USA, this matchup represents more than just an opener. This will be the first step toward redeeming a narrow championship loss in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and returning to the top of the baseball world.
This week, the best American talent in the big leagues left spring training to start workouts with Team USA. Pete Crow Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs and Roman Anthony of the Boston Red Sox were seen walking up together for workouts and spoke on facing international teams with such a strong identity.
“It will be electric,” Anthony told World Baseball Network. “Obviously, we came up short last time around. I actually got to experience it as a fan. I’m excited to be a part of it.”
“The goal is always to win when you put these colors on,” Crow-Armstrong added.
Not only is winning the World Baseball Classic possible for Team USA, but given their roster, it is an expectation. The United States enters the 2026 tournament as the favorites, bolstered by a roster brimming with big‑league talent and a rotation that is widely regarded as head‑and‑shoulders above most of its rivals.
Many have openly questioned how the World Baseball Classic impacts MLB teams that are in a crucial time of preparation during spring training. However, new San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello spoke about his players playing in the World Baseball Classic, and he is fond of the idea.
Scott Boras of The Boras Corporation also offered insight into his client’s participation in the classic. Boras noted that it is a special opportunity for the players he represents and the fans of baseball.
“You’re rooting for the best Americans in baseball,” Boras told World Baseball Network.
There may be some caution for interruption to the professional development time, but the vibe across the Cactus League is that everyone wants the chance to represent the United States on the international stage.
Loaded Lineup Meets Underdog Spirit
Under manager Mark DeRosa, Team USA’s lineup blends power and depth. Yankees captain Aaron Judge headlines the offense. He is supported by power threats like Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber, Cubs’ third baseman Alex Bregman and Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.
Expect the Americans to be aggressive at the plate early, a strategy honed through an offensive barrage in pre‑tournament exhibitions with the Colorado Rockies and the Giants. In tune‑up contests, the U.S. offense appeared dialed in.
In a 14‑4 dismantling of the Colorado Rockies, American hitters went deep multiple times, with Paul Goldschmidt, Judge, Bregman, Will Smith and Byron Buxton all contributing homers in a comprehensive show of force.
Facing them is a Brazilian squad that punched its ticket to the Classic through World Baseball Classic Qualifiers last year. It is a notable achievement for a nation where baseball remains a growing sport.
Webb to Take Ball First
On the mound for Team USA against Brazil will be veteran right‑hander Logan Webb of the Giants. Known for his command and poise, Webb is expected to give the United States a strong foundation in front of a capable bullpen.
Last season’s home run leader and Team USA catcher, Cal Raleigh, spoke about the challenge of preparing with new arms in a short period of time, and how he will approach the games.
“It’s a no-brainer to do this, and try to catch as many guys as you can,” Raleigh told World Baseball Network. “At the end of the day, it’s baseball. Usually, when you make good pitches, good things happen. It’ll be a combination of using pitcher strengths and hitter weaknesses, but mostly pitcher strengths.”
Setting the Tone in Pool Play
The United States will play four games in Pool B. After matchups with Brazil, Great Britain, Mexico and Italy, they will hope to be sitting atop the pool. The United States knows that winning Friday’s game is crucial to maintaining momentum and securing a top‑two finish needed for quarterfinal qualification. Pool play concludes March 11, with quarterfinals beginning March 13 and the tournament final set for March 17 in Miami.
For American fans and baseball purists, Friday night’s contest will be more than an opener. It will be a preview of what many hope will be a dominant run deep into the World Baseball Classic, reclaiming baseball’s world crown.
Photo: Team United States walks back to the dugout after taking a team photograph before a World Baseball Classic workout Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
