2026 World Baseball Classic Odds: USA, Japan Top Board as Favorites

The USA and Japan top the early betting odds as favorites for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Dominican Republic and Venezuela follow as strong contenders.

The early betting odds for the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) have been released, and the tournament is shaping up to be a showcase of international baseball titans. According to major sportsbooks, Team USA and reigning champion Japan are co-favorites at the top of the board, each listed with nearly identical odds to win the title.

The United States, winner of the 2023 tournament, is expected to field another star-studded roster featuring MLB superstars. Japan, led by two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani in 2023, is anticipated to counter with a mix of its domestic league stars and current MLB players, making them a formidable repeat contender. Close behind, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela are listed as the next strongest contenders, boasting deep rosters filled with Major League talent capable of beating any team on any given day.

Rounding out the top tier of favorites are Puerto Rico, Mexico, and South Korea, all seen as dark horses with the pitching and lineup depth to make a deep run. Sportsbooks note that the gap between the top four favorites and the rest of the field is narrower than in previous years, signaling a more competitive and unpredictable tournament.

Oddsmakers cite several factors influencing the early lines, including the expected participation of marquee players, recent international performance, and the depth of each nation's pitching staff often the decisive factor in the short tournament format. The 2026 WBC, likely to be hosted across multiple venues including sites in the U.S. and Asia, is already generating significant pre-tournament interest and wager volume.

"The global growth of baseball has created more parity than ever," said a lead odds compiler. "While the U.S. and Japan are rightly favored, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela have the raw talent to win it all. It should be the most exciting Classic yet." Official roster announcements and finalized host cities are expected later this year.