Following an exciting round of pool play, the World Baseball Classic is set for its next phase.
Eight teams—two from each pool—remain in contention for the WBC title as the tournament transitions to a single-elimination format. The quarterfinals will kick off with two games on Friday, followed by two more on Saturday.
On Friday, the Dominican Republic will take on Korea at 6:30 p.m. ET (FS2), while Team USA faces Canada at 8 p.m. ET (FOX). Saturday’s matchups will feature Italy versus Puerto Rico at 3 p.m. ET (FS1) and Japan against Venezuela at 9 p.m. ET (FOX).
Here’s an overview of each WBC quarterfinal matchup as the tournament advances.
KOREA AT DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
When and where: 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday at loanDepot Park in Miami.
How to watch: The Korea-Dominican Republic quarterfinal will be broadcast on FS2.
How to listen: A free English-language audio stream is available for all Classic games.
Path to quarterfinals: The Dominican Republic delivered a flawless performance in pool play, finishing 4-0. They commenced with a 12-3 win against Nicaragua, followed by a remarkable 12-1 victory over the Netherlands, clinching it in seven innings thanks to Juan Soto’s two-run homer. They also won against Israel (10-1) and edged out Venezuela (7-5).
Korea’s journey was more chaotic with a three-way tie in Pool C. Ultimately, Korea’s five-run victory over Australia allowed them to secure a quarterfinal spot for the first time since 2009, thanks to a ninth-inning sacrifice fly.
What’s at stake: The Dominican Republic aims to reach the semifinals for the third time, having won the tournament in 2013 and losing in the 2006 semifinals. Korea aspires to advance to the semifinals for the first time since 2009.
USA VS. CANADA
When and where: 8 p.m. ET on Friday at Daikin Park in Houston.
How to watch: The game will be live on FOX.
How to listen: Free English-language audio streams are available for all Classic matches.
Path to quarterfinals: Canada topped Pool A with a 3-1 record, concluding their pool play with a 7-2 win over Cuba. Their earlier victory against Puerto Rico secured their spot due to a head-to-head tiebreaker.
The U.S. dominated their initial games, winning three in a row, but faced elimination after an unexpected loss to Italy. However, they advanced due to Italy’s win over Mexico.
What’s at stake: This marks Canada’s first quarterfinal appearance, and they aim to continue their momentum. The U.S. seeks another shot at the championship. The winner will move on to the semifinals against the victor of Korea vs. Dominican Republic.
PUERTO RICO VS. ITALY
When and where: 3 p.m. ET on Saturday at Daikin Park in Houston.
How to watch: Watch Puerto Rico vs. Italy live on FS1.
How to listen: Free English-language audio streams are available for every Classic game.
Path to quarterfinals: Puerto Rico finished Pool A with a 3-1 record, losing only to Canada. Italy also made a splash, going 4-0 after a stunning 8-6 victory over the U.S.
What’s at stake: Puerto Rico hopes to improve from their last quarterfinal appearance, while Italy seeks their first win in the quarterfinals. The winner will progress to face the winner of Venezuela-Japan.
VENEZUELA VS. JAPAN
When and where: 9 p.m. ET on Saturday at loanDepot Park in Miami.
How to watch: The game will be aired live on FOX.
How to listen: Free English-language audio streams are available for all Classic matches.
Path to quarterfinals: Japan cruised through pool play undefeated with a 4-0 record, while Venezuela had a strong start but faltered against the Dominican Republic, ending their pool play with a 3-1 record.
What’s at stake: A win for Japan would mark their sixth consecutive semifinal appearance, while Venezuela aims for their first semifinal spot since 2009.
