This Thursday, it was confirmed that loanDepot Park will once again host the grand final of the World Baseball Classic, this time for its 2026 edition. Other venues for the event include the Tokyo Dome in Japan, Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas.
The first-round games will be divided among the four venues, and the semifinals will be shared between Houston and Miami. However, the grand final will take place at loanDepot Park. The news was initially hinted at the end of April by a Major League Baseball (MLB) official under the condition of anonymity, but it is now official.
The Miami Marlins' stadium boasts a capacity of 37,442 spectators and has previously hosted the World Baseball Classic four times. Minute Maid Park in Houston debuts as a venue for the Classic. With a capacity of 40,963 seats, this stadium is known for hosting events like the American League Championship Series since 2017.
Returning to the tournament after a 13-year absence is Puerto Rico's Hiram Bithorn Stadium, which can accommodate 18,000 spectators. This stadium has been the backdrop for significant moments, including Cuba's remarkable performance that led them to the final of the tournament in its first edition (2006).
The Tokyo Dome, home of the Yomiuri Giants, has hosted every edition of the World Baseball Classic. With a capacity for 46,000 spectators, it set a record attendance in 2023 with 361,976 fans. Japan has won the tournament three times (2006, 2009, and 2023).
To date, 16 of the 20 teams that will participate in 2026 have been confirmed. The remaining four teams, which will come from Chinese Taipei, Nicaragua, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, France, Pakistan, Germany, New Zealand, South Africa, and Colombia, will be decided in a qualifying tournament next year in Tucson, Arizona.
LoanDepot Park, once again honored with hosting the event's final, is the official home of the Miami Marlins. It is located on the site of the former Miami Orange Bowl in Little Havana, about three kilometers west of Downtown Miami. In the 2023 edition of the World Baseball Classic, the Cuban team reached the semifinal round, also held in Miami, where they were defeated 14-2 by the United States.
2026 World Baseball Classic Details
Here are some frequently asked questions about the 2026 World Baseball Classic, including details about the venues and participating teams.
Which stadiums will host the 2026 World Baseball Classic?
The 2026 World Baseball Classic will be hosted by loanDepot Park in Miami, Tokyo Dome in Japan, Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas.
When and where will the grand final be held?
The grand final of the 2026 World Baseball Classic will be held at loanDepot Park in Miami.
How many teams have been confirmed for the 2026 tournament?
As of now, 16 out of the 20 teams have been confirmed. The remaining four teams will be decided in a qualifying tournament in Tucson, Arizona.
Has loanDepot Park hosted the World Baseball Classic before?
Yes, loanDepot Park has hosted the World Baseball Classic four times prior to the 2026 event.