Games 3 and 4 of the World Baseball Classic Qualifiers in Taipei provided a clearer look at which teams could play the World Baseball Classic next year. Nicaragua walked off Spain in the 10th inning, making it back-to-back games with a walk-off for them. Meanwhile, Chinese Taipei bounced back with a big win against South Africa, keeping their hopes of winning the pool alive. Games 3 and 4 also come with scenarios for teams to win the pool, securing their spot in the World Baseball Classic.
2026 WBC qualification scenarios tonight:
Nicaragua qualifies with a win or gives up 5 runs or less in a loss and Spain wins.
Spain qualifies with a win and Taiwan scores 6 or more runs against Nicaragua and wins:
Taiwan qualifies with a win and a South Africa win. https://t.co/ATNSIHiYgQ— World Baseball Network (@WorldBaseball_) February 22, 2025
South Africa vs. Spain @ 11 p.m. EST Nicaragua vs. Chinese Taipei @ 6 a.m. EST
South Africa vs. Spain
South Africa is 0-2, in last place in the pool. They need a win against Spain to keep their qualification chances alive. South Africa needs to win and hope to win a tiebreaker with either Spain or Spain and Chinese Taipei to sneak into the top three. The team in first place will automatically qualify.
Nicaragua vs. Chinese Taipei
Nicaragua, fueled by two extra-inning walk-offs, is at 2-0 and in first place. A win would punch their ticket, but a loss paired with a South Africa win would push them into the game on Feb. 25, where the winner qualifies.
Where to watch
All games can be streamed on the World Baseball Classic website as well as the World Baseball Classic’s YouTube channel and Facebook Page. Additionally, games can be watched on MLB.TV.
