The World Baseball Classic (WBC) has reached an exciting juncture as it prepares for the quarterfinals. After intense pool play, the tournament is down to its final eight teams. The WBC, now in its sixth edition, is being held from March 5-17, 2026, across locations including Miami, Houston, San Juan, and Tokyo.
Quarterfinal Power Rankings: Canada and Other Contenders
As the teams gear up for the knockout round, here’s how they rank based on their performances during pool play:
1. Dominican Republic
- Record: 4-0 (Pool D Winner)
- Runs Scored: 41
- Runs Allowed: 10
- Tournament ERA: 2.38
- Notable Performer: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – .500 average, 1.583 OPS
- Quarterfinal Opponent: Korea
The Dominican Republic displayed offensive dominance, leading the tournament in several key categories. Their pitching has also excelled, making them formidable contenders.
2. Japan
- Record: 4-0 (Pool C Winner)
- Runs Scored: 34
- Runs Allowed: 9
- Tournament ERA: 2.12
- Notable Performer: Shohei Ohtani – .556 average, 2.025 OPS
- Quarterfinal Opponent: Venezuela
Japan continues to be a strong contender, having not lost in the first round since 2013, and their powerful lineup provides a significant threat in the quarterfinals.
3. United States
- Record: 3-1 (Pool B Runner-Up)
- Runs Scored: 35
- Runs Allowed: 17
- Tournament ERA: 3.50
- Notable Performer: Bobby Witt Jr. – .357 average, .971 OPS
- Quarterfinal Opponent: Canada
Despite a surprising loss, Team USA’s track record and detailed approach give them an edge moving forward.
4. Italy
- Record: 4-0 (Pool B Winner)
- Runs Scored: 32
- Runs Allowed: 11
- Tournament ERA: 2.75
- Notable Performer: Dante Nori – .500 average, 1.616 OPS
- Quarterfinal Opponent: Puerto Rico
Italy has made headlines with its surprising performance, notably defeating the U.S. and Mexico during group play.
5. Venezuela
- Record: 3-1 (Pool D Runner-Up)
- Runs Scored: 26
- Runs Allowed: 12
- Tournament ERA: 2.75
- Notable Performer: Luis Arraez – .500 average, 1.743 OPS
- Quarterfinal Opponent: Japan
With a strong lineup led by Ronald Acuña Jr., Venezuela aims to make a deeper run in the tournament.
6. Canada
- Record: 3-1 (Pool A Winner)
- Runs Scored: 21
- Runs Allowed: 10
- Tournament ERA: 1.50
- Notable Performer: Abraham Toro – .467 average, 1.529 OPS
- Quarterfinal Opponent: United States
Canada’s pitching has been exceptional, but its offense needs to elevate further to maintain its success.
7. Puerto Rico
- Record: 3-1 (Pool A Runner-Up)
- Runs Scored: 15
- Runs Allowed: 7
- Tournament ERA: 1.22
- Notable Performer: Luis Quiñones – 4.0 innings pitched, 0 runs
- Quarterfinal Opponent: Italy
Despite challenges, Puerto Rico’s stellar pitching has carried them to the quarterfinals yet again.
8. Korea
- Record: 2-2 (Pool C Runner-Up)
- Runs Scored: 28
- Runs Allowed: 19
- Tournament ERA: 4.50
- Notable Performer: Bo Gyeong Moon – .538 average, 1.779 OPS
- Quarterfinal Opponent: Dominican Republic
Korea advanced after a dramatic finish, but faces a tough challenge in the knockout round.
The quarterfinals promise to deliver intense matchups as teams strive for glory in the WBC. Canada’s performance will be closely scrutinized as they face the United States in a high-stakes game.
