World Baseball Classic 2026 Bracket Qualified Teams, Updated Schedule for Quarterfinals

The eight teams advancing to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic were finalized on Wednesday.

Pool play wrapped up with three games, as Canada defeated Cuba by the final score of 7-2 in Pool A. Italy punched its ticket to the quarterfinals with a 9-1 win over Mexico in a Pool B.

Italy's victory also ensured that the United States advanced to the quarterfinal round.

Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic secured a 7-5 win over Venezuela in Pool D.

The WBC quarterfinals will run from Friday through Saturday, while the semifinals will occur on Sunday and Monday. The championship game will take place on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET.

With the top two teams in each pool moving on to the quarterfinals, here's a closer look at Wednesday's results.

Pool A

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1. Canada (3-1) - Advancing

2. Puerto Rico (3-1) - Advancing

3. Cuba (2-2)

4. Colombia (1-3)

5. Panama (1-3)

Wednesday's Results

Canada 7, Cuba 2

Following an upset victory over Puerto Rico on Tuesday, Canada had an opportunity to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time in WBC history against Cuba. A loss would have eliminated the Canadian team, though.

Canada struck first against Cuba, taking a 1-0 lead in the third inning following a sacrifice fly from Owen Caissie.

A solo home run from Abraham Toro in the fifth gave Canada a two-run advantage, but Cuba quickly responded with a run-scoring groundout from Yoelkis Guibert in the bottom of the inning.

Canada eventually pulled away with three runs in the sixth, highlighted by Bo Naylor's RBI double as well as a two-run single from Otto Lopez.

Cal Quantrill started the game for Canada and set the tone, recording five strikeouts in five innings of work without allowing an earned run.

Pool B

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1. Italy (4-0) - Advancing

2. United States (3-1) - Advancing

3. Mexico (2-2)

4. Great Britain (1-3)

5. Brazil (0-4)

Wednesday's Schedule

Italy 9, Mexico 1

After a scoreless first inning, Italy took an early 1-0 lead in the second with a solo home run from Vinnie Pasquantino.

Another solo shot by Jon Berti gave the Italian squad a 2-0 edge in the fourth inning before the team scored three runs in the fifth following a sacrifice bunt from Dante Nori and a two-run single from Jakob Marsee.

Italy eventually extended its lead to 7-0 before Mexico got on the board, extinguishing any hopes of a comeback for the Mexican team.

Pasquantino was stellar in the victory, ending the game with three home runs and a walk.

Italy's win also allowed the United States to advance to the quarterfinal round and avoid elimination, as Mexico fell to 2-2.

Pool C

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1. Japan (4-0) – Advancing 

2. South Korea (2-2) – Advancing

3. Australia (2-2)

4. Chinese Taipei (2-2)

5. Czechia (0-4)

Pool C was the only pool that was decided prior to Wednesday's action, as Japan and South Korea already locked up their quarterfinal spots.

Pool D

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1. Dominican Republic (4-0) – Advancing 

2. Venezuela (3-1) – Advancing 

3. Israel (2-2)

4. Netherlands (1-3)

5. Nicaragua (0-4)

Dominican Republic 7, Venezuela 5

While both teams already locked up their spots in the quarterfinals prior to Wednesday's contest, the Dominican Republic was able to clinch Pool D with the win.

The two teams started off strong, as a two-run homer from Juan Soto gave the Dominican Republic a lead in the top of the first inning. Venezuela immediately responded with Willson Contreras' RBI single in the bottom of the frame to cut the deficit to 2-1, though.

A pair of solo home runs from Ketel Marte and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. extended the Dominican Republic lead to 4-1 in the third inning. Still, Venezuela remained within striking distance following RBI doubles from Maikel Garcia and Luis Arraez in the bottom of the third.

The Dominican Republic finally gained some more breathing room due to the heroics of Fernando Tatis Jr., who hit a three-run homer in the top of the fourth inning.

Venezuela trailed 7-3 heading into the bottom of the ninth, but loaded the bases with nobody out. Despite immediately scoring two runs, the Venezuelan squad couldn't complete the late rally and ultimately suffered its first loss of the WBC.