2026 World Baseball Classic Quarterfinal Bracket & Miami Knockout Schedule – Sports Brackets
As of Tuesday morning, March 10, the field for the 2026 WBC knockout round is all but set, culminating in the Championship Game on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Miami, FL. The Quarterfinal matchups are highlighted by Japan (Pool C Winner) taking on the runner-up from Pool D (likely the D.R.), while the Pool B Winner (USA/Italy) is set to face South Korea. All remaining games will be played at loanDepot park. The 2026 World Baseball Classic Quarterfinal Bracket play picks up on March 13th.
WBC Miami Knockout Round Schedule (loanDepot park)
The road to the championship is set. All times are Eastern.
Quarterfinals (QFs)
The quarterfinal matchups will come into focus Tuesday evening as the WBC schedule starts to transition from pool play.
- QF 1: Pool D Runner-Up vs. Pool C Winner (JAPAN) | Friday, March 13, 7:00 PM ET
- QF 2: Pool C Runner-Up (SOUTH KOREA) vs. Pool B Winner (USA/Italy) | Saturday, March 14, 1:00 PM ET
- QF 3: Pool B Runner-Up (Mexico/Italy/USA) vs. Pool A Winner (PUERTO RICO) | Saturday, March 14, 7:00 PM ET
- QF 4: Pool A Runner-Up (Cuba/Canada) vs. Pool D Winner (Venezuela/DR) | Sunday, March 15, 7:00 PM ET
Semifinals (SFs)
- SF 1: QF1 Winner vs. QF3 Winner | Monday, March 16, 7:00 PM ET
- SF 2: QF2 Winner vs. QF4 Winner | Monday, March 16, 7:00 PM ET
Championship Game
- 🏆 National Championship: SF1 Winner vs. SF2 Winner | Tuesday, March 17, 7:00 PM ET
Analysis: Japan, USA, and the Power Shift in Miami
The WBC moves to Miami, and with it, the highest-stakes baseball on the planet. Japan (3-0) has already punched their ticket and will have five days of rest before facing the #2 seed from Pool D (the “Pool of Death”). That matchup will be a classic, likely featuring Shohei Ohtani and the dominant Japanese pitching staff.
Meanwhile, the USA is still fighting for the top spot in Pool B. If they take care of business against Italy, they will draw South Korea in a Saturday matinee (QF 2), setting up a potential USA vs. Venezuela/DR semifinal on Monday.
The “Miami Final” is March 17
The entire tournament leads to Tuesday, March 17, at 7:00 PM ET at loanDepot park. This will be the first time a WBC Champion is crowned in Miami, and the single-elimination format promises high drama from the first pitch.
Printable 2026 WBC Knockout Round Bracket
Here’s the printable 2026 WBC Knockout Round Bracket. It is also updated live on the MLB site here. We have a printable, PDF version of the bracket up for you here, as well as the main WBC schedule to enjoy. All of the pool play results and scores are posted for you to enjoy too.
2026 WBC Quarterfinals & Knockout Round FAQ
Q: Where are the 2026 WBC Quarterfinals being played? A: The Quarterfinal round is split between two venues: loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, and Daikin Park in Houston, Texas. Once the tournament reaches the Semifinals and Championship, all remaining games will be played exclusively in Miami.
Q: When is the 2026 World Baseball Classic Championship game? A: The WBC Championship game is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET at loanDepot park in Miami.
Q: How does the Quarterfinal bracket work? A: The top two teams from each of the four opening-round pools advance to the Quarterfinals. It is a single-elimination format:
- QF 1 & 4: Features teams from Pools C (Tokyo) and D (Miami).
- QF 2 & 3: Features teams from Pools A (San Juan) and B (Houston).
Q: Is there a mercy rule in the WBC knockout rounds? A: No. While a mercy rule is used during Pool Play (10 runs after 7 innings or 15 runs after 5 innings), it is not in effect during the Quarterfinals, Semifinals, or the Championship game.
Q: What happens if a WBC knockout game goes to extra innings? A: For the 2026 tournament, the “Ghost Runner” rule remains in effect for all rounds. Starting in the 10th inning, each half-inning begins with a runner on second base to encourage scoring.
