The stage is set for a compelling early matchup in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, as Taiwan will open its campaign against Australia on at the Tokyo Dome. This will be followed by a highly anticipated clash with host nation Japan, and specifically, a potential showdown with Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani, on .
Taiwan’s participation in the tournament has been solidified following China’s defeat to Brazil on Tuesday, securing their spot in Group C alongside Japan, Korea, Australia, and Czechia. The team is already preparing for the challenges ahead, with key players beginning to adjust to the demands of international competition.
Right-handed pitcher Xu Ruo-Hsi is a focal point of Taiwan’s preparations. Currently training with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), Xu recently completed a 50-pitch bullpen session using the official game ball for the WBC. According to reports, his coach made minor adjustments to his mechanics during the session. Xu acknowledged the difficulty of facing a hitter like Ohtani, stating, as reported by Yahoo Sports, that it “won’t be easy to deal with” the Japanese star. He also expressed his commitment to performing well on the international stage.
The upcoming match against Japan carries significant weight, not only due to Ohtani’s presence but also because of the historical rivalry between the two nations in baseball. The prospect of facing Ohtani, who officially announced his participation in the WBC on November 25th, has added an extra layer of excitement to the tournament. Yamamoto Yoshinobu, another prominent Japanese pitcher, is also expected to draw considerable attention.
However, Taiwan’s path to advancement in the tournament won’t be solely defined by its games against Japan and Korea. Australia and Czechia present formidable challenges as well. Korea is known for its aggressive base running and strategic pitching, while Australia boasts a powerful lineup and strong pitching staff. Taiwan previously defeated all three of these teams – Japan, Korea, and Australia – at the 2024 WBSC Premier12, claiming the championship and demonstrating its capabilities on the international stage. The Czech Republic, considered a potential dark horse, will require a focused effort from the Taiwanese team.
The 2026 WBC schedule sees Taiwan facing Czechia on and Korea on . These games will be crucial in determining their chances of progressing to the quarterfinals. The top two teams from Group C will advance.
The tournament structure includes a group stage, quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final, with the championship game scheduled for . Houston and Miami will host the quarterfinals on and , respectively, with Miami also serving as the venue for the championship round.
Taiwan’s success in the 2024 WBSC Premier12 serves as a strong foundation for their WBC aspirations. The team’s ability to compete with and defeat top-tier opponents demonstrates their potential to make a significant impact in the 2026 tournament. This year’s WBC represents not just another opportunity to test their skills, but a chance to prove that Taiwanese baseball can compete with the world’s elite. The team is aiming to build on their previous success and make a deep run in the tournament, potentially reaching the quarterfinals or even further.
Xu Ruo-Hsi’s preparation is a microcosm of the broader team focus. His dedication to refining his mechanics and preparing for the challenges of facing top international hitters underscores Taiwan’s commitment to success. The team’s performance in Tokyo will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as they seek to establish themselves as a major force in the world of baseball.
