Houston lands first World Baseball Classic berth

Minute Maid Park, which has held more postseason games than any MLB stadium since 2017, was selected to host two rounds of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Houston was chosen as a WBC host for the first time in the tournament’s history.

Houston, Miami, Tokyo and San Juan, Puerto Rico, were chosen as the four host cities for the 2026 WBC. Miami, which played host to the 2023 WBC semifinals and finals, will host the finals and semifinals again. Miami will actually host all three rounds, beginning with Pool D play.

San Juan, which last played host to the 2013 WBC games, will hold Pool A games in 2026. Houston will host Pool B and one quarterfinal round. Tokyo will host Pool C.

“We are excited and honored to be hosting World Baseball Classic matchups for the first time,” Astros owner Jim Crane said.

Minute Maid Park will be the ninth MLB stadium to host a WBC game.

World Baseball Classic returns to Puerto Rico

San Juan’s Hiram Bithorn Stadium was one of the original WBC venues in 2006. That renowned Puerto Rican stadium has played host to WBC games in 2006, 2009 and 2013.

“As Mayor of San Juan, I am profoundly honored that our city has been chosen to host the World Baseball Classic for the fourth time,” said San Juan mayor Miguel Romero. “This decision reflects the world’s recognition of San Juan as a premier venue for global sporting events. The return of the World Baseball Classic to Puerto Rico reaffirms our city’s capacity to host major international events and our commitment to bring the best baseball in the world to our shores.

“We are fully prepared to deliver a top-tier experience, showcasing not only our enduring love for baseball, but also the resilient, forward-looking spirit of San Juan and Puerto Rico.”