As the World Baseball Classic 2026 is about to begin tomorrow, France is watching this international tournament from afar. Behind the marginality of baseball in the Hexagon, however, signals show that this appointment could, in the long run, concern us much more.
For the moment, it is difficult to get passionate about it. No qualified French team, no French players in the other selections, only one French umpire on site (Serge Makouchetchev in Miami) and match schedules that force you to get up in the middle of the night. In short, the disconnection is almost total.
However, every two years, the world baseball season begins with this competition organized by the Major League Baseball (MLB). Today, the WBC has become the most followed tournament in the planet baseball, eclipsing the defunct « Premier » tournament of the world federation (WBSC).
In 2022 and 2023, France was thrilled by the presence of Bruce Bochy as coach for the French team during the qualifying stages. The flexible rules allowed players who were not really French, but who had been present on the territory for a long time, to play. The qualification was not obtained, but a beginning of emotion had been felt. For 2026, even this stage escapes us: no ticket for the qualifying stage.
So what remains for us? The show, simply. A competition bringing together the world elite of baseball, night matches, and moments that will be written in history. Who could forget the last « at bat » of the 2023 final, when Ohtani faced Trout in a USA-Japan duel, and the swing and a miss of the American offered victory to Japan, a country that has always sought to challenge the United States in their sport king?
For 2026, the predictions are obvious: Japan and USA are expected to compete in the final once again, with two outsiders capable of upsetting the hierarchy: the Dominican Republic and, to a lesser extent, Venezuela.
But the WBC is not immune to criticism: paid streaming on Netflix, refusal of visas to some Cuban players, players held back by their franchises (Skubal limited to one match for Team USA, Matsui for Japan, Bellinger for the USA…). Even the five European teams engaged in the qualifying rounds (England, Italy, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Israel) struggle to make themselves heard in the face of communication geared towards North American and Asian audiences.
It is interesting to see on March 3 and 4, the national teams meet in the Spring training against MLB teams. Panama was defeated 11-1 by the Yankees, Holland won against the Orioles, the Blue Jays won 10-7 against the Blue Jays, Israel scored only one point against the Marlins, the Mets dominated Nicaragua 6-3, Italy beat the Cubs 9-4 and the English defeated the Brewers 7-3.
Despite everything, this competition remains fascinating. It opposes the ultra-professionalized model of the United States, the Japanese rigor and the Caribbean passion, offering a real mix of cultures. Like the Olympic Games, it is also a ground for diplomacy: Cuba challenges the American administration with visas, and binationals players sometimes have to choose their side.
The format itself captivates: short tournament, direct elimination after the groups, like in football. Every match counts, every swing can become historic. Ohtani, who impressed with his pitches in 2023, could this year make an impact with his bat, why not with a decisive grand slam in the last at bat of a tense final.
In conclusion, the WBC 2026 does not concern us much for the moment, due to the absence of French players and massive media interest. But tomorrow, with digital media, the emergence of French players abroad and the fascination for global stars, the World Baseball Classic could well become an event followed with passion by the French public, like the World Cup or the Olympic Games.
Tournament from 5 to 17 March, four qualifying groups. Finals on 17 March in Miami. Possible broadcasts on Bein Sport.
