World Baseball Classic 2026 Odds: Favorites, Futures, & FAQ

The World Baseball Classic (WBC) is set to return in March 2026, bringing the biggest stars in baseball together to compete for international glory. And just like the World Cup in soccer, the WBC is set to be one of the premier global betting events of the year.

With powerhouse nations like Japan, the United States, and the Dominican Republic preparing for another run at the title, the 2026 World Baseball Classic is already generating major buzz. Whether you’re backing one of the favorites or looking for value in a rising contender, Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook has all the tools and markets to make every inning count.

Ready to step up to the plate?

Odds to Win the 2026 World Baseball Classic

Odds as of February 19, 2026. Subject to change.

Nation	Odds
USA	-110
Japan	+350
Dominican Republic	+400
Venezuela	+1000
Puerto Rico	+1600
Mexico	+2500
Canada	+4000
Republic of Korea	+5000
Italy	+7500
Netherlands	+7500
Cuba	+7500
Colombia	+7500
Panama	+7500
Chinese Taipei	+15000
Great Britain	+20000
Australia	+20000
Israel	+20000
Czechia	+25000
Brazil	+25000
Nicaragua	+25000

The United States, led by a pair of aces in Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal, open as the favorite at -110. Japan, the reigning WBC champions, enter right behind the U.S. as one of the teams to beat at +350. The Dominican Republic (+400), Venezuela (+1000), and Puerto Rico (+1600) round out a deep group of contenders capable of winning it all.

World Baseball Classic 2026 News & Storylines

As we look ahead to 2026, several major storylines are shaping the WBC betting landscape:

• Can Japan defend its crown?: After winning the 2023 WBC in dramatic fashion behind Shohei Ohtani, Japan enters 2026 as a powerhouse stocked with elite MLB and NPB talent.
• USA reloaded: Team USA continues to stack All-Star rosters, and newfound depth across the pitching staff will be a major factor in their overall success.
• Dominican Republic’s revenge: A perennial favorite, the Dominican squad boasts one of the deepest talent pools in baseball.
• Rising contenders: Mexico and Venezuela proved in 2023 they can challenge traditional powers – and could offer value for futures.
• Pitching management: Unlike MLB’s 162-game season, the WBC is short and intense. Bullpen depth and starter limitations can drastically affect game totals and live betting opportunities.

What Is the World Baseball Classic?

The World Baseball Classic is the premier international baseball tournament, sanctioned by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) and organized through a partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB) and the MLB Players Association (MLBPA).

First held in 2006, the WBC brings together national teams from around the globe to compete for international supremacy. Unlike Olympic baseball formats of the past, the WBC features many of the world’s top MLB stars representing their home countries.

The 2026 tournament will feature 20 teams, divided into pool play followed by knockout rounds – culminating in a winner-take-all championship game.

Held roughly every four years, the WBC has quickly become one of the most exciting betting events worldwide.

What Makes the 2026 WBC a Great Event to Bet On?

The World Baseball Classic is set to be one of the marquee betting events of March. Here’s why…

Every Game Holds Weight

The WBC is a short tournament. Pool play games are limited, and a single upset can determine a nation’s advancement. That urgency creates volatility – and opportunity.

Star Power on a Global Stage

Unlike many international tournaments, the WBC features MLB superstars in their prime. Expect to see names including:

• Shohei Ohtani
• Aaron Judge
• Ronald Acuña Jr.
• Paul Skenes
• Tarik Skubal
• Juan Soto
• Julio Rodríguez
• Fernando Tatis Jr.
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
• Bobby Witt Jr.
• And many more!

Star-studded rosters make player props and player futures especially appealing.

National Pride Changes Dynamics

Players often bring postseason-level intensity to WBC games. Bullpens are used aggressively. Managers shorten games. This can shift the dynamics of each game in comparison to regular-season MLB games.

Prime March Betting Window

The WBC takes place in March – overlapping with March Madness and ending ahead of MLB Opening Day. That makes it one of the marquee global betting events of the spring sports calendar.

Popular World Baseball Classic Bets

Below are some of the most popular ways to wager on the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

WBC Moneyline (Winner)

Moneyline betting is the most straightforward baseball market: pick the team you believe will win the game.

Example:

• USA ML -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
• Venezuela ML +135 (bet $100 to win $135)

Unlike soccer, baseball does not offer a three-way market – games continue into extra innings until a winner is decided.

In knockout rounds, you’re simply betting which team advances (same as the game winner).

WBC Run Line

Baseball’s version of spread betting is the run line, typically set at 1.5 runs for both favorites (-1.5) and underdogs (+1.5).

Example:

• Japan RL -1.5 (+110 odds)
• Mexico RL +1.5 (-130 odds)

If you bet Japan -1.5, they must win by two or more runs. If you bet Mexico +1.5, they can either win outright or lose by one run.

Run lines often provide better payouts than moneylines when backing favorites.

WBC Totals (Over/Under)

Totals betting focuses on the combined number of runs scored by both teams.

Example:

• Over 8.5 runs (-110 odds)
• Under 8.5 runs (-110 odds)

WBC totals can vary depending on:

• Starting pitchers
• Bullpen depth
• Hitter-friendly venues
• Weather conditions

WBC Futures

Futures allow players to wager on long-term outcomes:

• Tournament winner
• Pool winners
• MVP

Futures are especially popular before the tournament begins, but odds will adjust after each round.

Live Betting on the World Baseball Classic

Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook offers one of the most comprehensive live betting experiences in the industry, allowing players to wager as the game unfolds:

• Updated moneylines after each inning
• Live totals
• Next team to score
• Outcome of the current at-bat
• Pitcher strikeout totals
• Inning-by-inning markets

Since baseball has natural pauses between pitches and innings, it’s one of the best sports for in-play wagering.

Live odds adjust in real time, offering new opportunities throughout the game.

About the World Baseball Classic

The WBC was created in 2006 to crown a true world champion of baseball using top professional talent.

Past champions:

• Japan (2006, 2009, 2023)
• United States (2017)
• Dominican Republic (2013)

The tournament format includes:

• Round-robin pool play
• Quarterfinals
• Semifinals
• Championship game

Unlike the MLB season, the WBC is single-elimination in the later rounds.

How to Bet on the 2026 World Baseball Classic at Hard Rock Bet

Getting started takes just a few minutes:

• Step 1: Open the Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook app or website.
• Step 2: Click the Discover tab.
• Step 3: Select Baseball.
• Step 4: Choose World Baseball Classic.
• Step 5: Click a matchup or futures market.
• Step 6: Add your selection to the bet slip.
• Step 7: Enter your wager amount and confirm your bet.

That’s it – you’re in the game.

World Baseball Classic Betting FAQs

Have questions about World Baseball Classic odds, or betting on the tournament in general? We’ve got answers.