The 2026 World Baseball Classic is rapidly approaching, with Taiwan set to compete in Pool C from March 5th to March 8th at the Tokyo Dome against Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Czech Republic. The tournament promises compelling matchups, including a highly anticipated clash between Taiwan and Japan on March 6th, featuring Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani.
Taiwan’s 30-man roster has been announced, boasting what many consider to be its most formidable pitching lineup in history. The team includes highly-regarded prospects currently playing in Japan, such as Yu-Xi Xu, along with international talents like Rui-Yang Gu Lin, Yu-Min Lin, and Wei-En Lin. Veteran Chen-Chieh leads the team as captain, aiming to make a strong showing in the preliminary round.
Schedule of Play
Here’s a breakdown of the key stages and dates for the 2026 World Baseball Classic:
| Stage | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Official Warm-up | C Group: March 2-3 | Osaka Kyo-Ceramic Dome, Miyazaki Sun Marine Stadium, Miyazaki Sokken |
| Preliminary Round | A Group: March 7-12 B Group: March 7-12 C Group: March 5-10 D Group: March 7-12 |
Puerto Rico – Hiram Bithorn Stadium USA – Houston Minute Maid Park Japan – Tokyo Dome USA – Miami LoanDepot Park |
| Second Round (8 Teams) | March 14-15 | A & B Groups: Minute Maid Park C & D Groups: LoanDepot Park |
| Semi-Finals (4 Teams) | March 16-17 | LoanDepot Park |
| Championship | March 18 | LoanDepot Park |
Broadcast and Streaming Options
Fans can follow the action through the following broadcasters:
- ELTA Television: ELTA.tv, Chunghwa Telecom MOD, Hami Video
- Chunghwa Telecom: Chunghwa Telecom MOD, Hami Video
- TVBS: Free-to-air television
- Eastern Television: Cable television
- Next TV: Cable television
Streaming Package Comparison
| Streaming Platform | Recommended Package | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hami Video | 2026 Baseball Support Package (90-day Sports Channel Package) | 399 NTD |
| Hami Video | 59% Off: Sports Fan Early Bird (180-day Sports Channel Package) | 699 NTD |
| ELTA Television | ELTA Value Package (90-day Subscription) | 599 NTD |
| ELTA Television | ELTA Value Package (180-day Subscription) | 999 NTD |
| ELTA Television | WBC Three-Year Prestige Package – Glory Support Package (3 years, includes 2 WBC tickets, 2 support gifts) | 8,888 NTD |
Outdoor Viewing Parties
| Location | Venue | Games Shown | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taichung | Taichung City Hall Plaza |
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Team Roster
Pitchers (16): Chen Po-Yu, Lin Yu-Min, Lin Wei-En, Zhuang Chen-Chung, Sha Tzu-Chen, Gu Lin Rui-Yang, Sun Yi-Lei, Hsu Yu-Hsi, Chang Chun-Wei, Cheng Tsung-Yu, Tseng Chun-Yueh, Hu Zhi-Wei, Lin Kai-Wei, Lin Shih-Hsiang, Chen Kuan-Yu, Chen Chun-Hsien
Catchers (3): Lin Chia-Cheng, Chi-Lung Kuo, Chiang Shao-Hung
Infielders (7): Cheng Tsung-Che, Li Hao-Yu, Long Jonathon, Chiang Kun-Yu, Chang Yu-Cheng, Lin Tzu-Wei, Wu Nien-Ting
Outfielders (4): Lin An-Ko, Fairchild Stuart, Chen Jie-Hsien, Chen Chen-Wei
Coaching Staff
- Manager: Tseng Hao-Jiu
- Chief/Catcher Coach: Kao Chih-Kang
- Pitching Coaches: Lin Yueh-Ping, Wang Jian-Min
- Hitting Coaches: Peng Cheng-Min, Kao Kuo-Hui
- Infield Coach: Chen Jiang-Ho
- Outfield/Baserunning Coach: Chang Jian-Ming
- Conditioning Coaches: Liu Pin-Chen, Chen Tsung-Hung
The 2026 WBC features 20 teams, with the top four from the 2023 tournament automatically qualifying. The remaining four teams earned their spots through qualification tournaments: Nicaragua, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), Colombia, and Brazil.
