The 2026 Winter Olympic Games have wrapped up, and what a spectacle it was for Team USA. With a historic haul of 12 gold medals, the crowning moment came when the U.S. men's ice hockey team clinched their first gold in nearly half a century. New Jersey Devils' standout, Jack Hughes, delivered the golden goal in overtime, securing a thrilling 2-1 victory over their fierce rivals, Canada.
But the international sports action isn't cooling off anytime soon. The 2026 World Baseball Classic is just around the corner, featuring MLB's biggest stars representing their nations.
As we gear up for this global showdown, Team USA is stacked with talent, boasting MVPs, All-Stars, and Cy Young winners. Among them are Yankees captain and reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge, and the latest Cy Young Award recipients, Paul Skenes from the Pirates and Tarik Skubal from the Tigers.
Curious about which Yankees, Mets, and other players are suiting up for Team USA? Let's dive into the details and check out their schedule and pool play opponents.
Team USA's Schedule and Pool for the 2026 World Baseball Classic
Mark your calendars for these matchups at Daikin Park, home of the Houston Astros:
- Friday, March 6 at 8 p.m.: Team USA vs. Brazil
- Saturday, March 7 at 8 p.m.: Team USA vs. Great Britain
- Monday, March 9 at 8 p.m.: Team USA vs. Mexico
- Tuesday, March 10 at 9 p.m.: Team USA vs. Italy
Team USA finds itself in Group B, alongside Mexico, Italy, Brazil, and Great Britain. This lineup promises some intense competition and thrilling baseball.
Knockout Stage Details
Pool play wraps up on Wednesday, March 11, with a rest day on March 12. The quarterfinals kick off at Daikin Park on Friday, March 13. Then, it's off to Miami for the semifinals starting Sunday, March 16.
Championship Game
The grand finale is set for Tuesday, March 17 at 8 p.m. at LoanDepot Park in Miami. It's a must-watch event as the last two teams vie for the title.
Looking Back: Team USA in the 2023 WBC
In the previous World Baseball Classic, Team USA fell just short, losing 3-2 to Japan in the championship game. That marked Japan's third WBC title since the tournament's inception in 2006. The U.S. has one title under its belt, from a dominant 8-0 win over Puerto Rico in 2017.
Yankees and Mets on Team USA
Five players from the Yankees and Mets are part of Team USA's roster:
- New York Yankees: Aaron Judge (captain, outfielder), Paul Goldschmidt (infielder), David Bednar (pitcher)
- New York Mets: Clay Holmes (pitcher), Nolan McLean (pitcher)
Team USA's 2026 World Baseball Classic Roster
Here's a breakdown of the 30-player roster:
Pitchers (16): David Bednar, Matthew Boyd, Garrett Cleavinger, Clay Holmes, Griffin Jax, Brad Keller, Clayton Kershaw (retiring post-WBC), Nolan McLean, Mason Miller, Joe Ryan, Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal, Gabe Speier, Michael Wacha, Logan Webb, Garrett Whitlock.
Catchers (2): Cal Raleigh, Will Smith.
Infielders (7): Alex Bregman, Ernie Clement, Paul Goldschmidt, Bryce Harper, Gunnar Henderson, Brice Turang, Bobby Witt Jr.
Outfielders (4): Roman Anthony, Byron Buxton, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Aaron Judge (captain).
Designated Hitter (1): Kyle Schwarber.
With such a formidable lineup, Team USA is poised to make a significant impact in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Get ready for some unforgettable baseball action!