Watch the highlights of the classic game broadcast and viewing! Polymarket predicts Taiwan's first match against Australia has nearly a 70% chance of winning.

2026 WBC Classic Tournament Group C matches will be held at Tokyo Dome, with the first game on March 5th at 11:00 AM Taiwan time, Taiwan versus Australia. This must-win game will feature Taiwan’s star pitcher Xu Ruo Xi, who pitches in Japan, against Alex Wells, an Australian professional MVP-level left-hander with Major League experience. The prediction market Polymarket shows Taiwan’s win probability at 72%, and their chances of advancing to the knockout stage at 50%.

(How can Taiwanese users start using Polymarket? VPN, registration, deposit, trading—all in one guide)

This edition of the WBC also highlights key viewing points, Taiwan’s schedule, tournament format, TV and online broadcast channels, and star players from each team. The Classic Tournament allows Major League players to participate, including Shohei Ohtani, Yusei Kikuchi, Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal, and even Hall of Fame pitcher Clayton Kershaw in his final career game.

WBC Classic Tournament Key Viewing Points and Taiwan Team Schedule Summary

Taiwan is placed in Group C, alongside Japan, South Korea, Czech Republic, and Australia. Only the top two teams advance. Taiwan will play four preliminary games at Tokyo Dome, with critical matches against South Korea and Australia. If Taiwan can secure at least two wins and outscore one of these strong opponents in run difference, they have a chance to advance to the Miami knockout stage.

Tokyo Preliminary Host Venue

Tokyo Dome, the fixed venue for six consecutive WBCs, will host Pool C (Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Australia, Czech Republic) in 2026.

WBC Classic Tournament Schedule

Preliminary Pool C from March 5–10, held in Tokyo Dome, with a round-robin format. Each team plays four games, with the top two advancing to the Miami knockout stage.

Taiwan Team Schedule (converted to Taiwan time)

• 3/5 (Thu) 11:00: Taiwan vs Australia (Tokyo Dome)
• 3/6 (Fri) 18:00: Japan vs Taiwan (Tokyo Dome)
• 3/7 (Sat) 11:00: Taiwan vs Czech (Tokyo Dome)
• 3/8 (Sun) 11:00: Taiwan vs Korea (Tokyo Dome)

Korea vs Japan (converted to Taiwan time)

• 3/7 (Sat) 18:00: Korea vs Japan

Television Broadcasts

• ELTA TV
• WeTV
• ETTV
• TTV Main Channel
• Chunghwa Telecom MOD

Online Streaming

• ELTA
• Hami Video

Star Players from Each Team at a Glance: Shohei Ohtani vs Taiwan

Major League players are participating, with some representing different countries due to heritage. Many MLB veterans will compete for various national teams.

Japan: Led by Shohei Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani: Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star, considered a global box office guarantee.

Yusei Kikuchi: Top starter for the Dodgers, Japan’s ace, expected to start against Taiwan.

Others include Munetaka Murakami (White Sox), Kazuhiro Okamoto (Blue Jays), Seiya Suzuki (Cubs), all on the roster, forming a formidable lineup.

Taiwan: Star-studded lineup with key pitcher Xu Ruo Xi

No need for much introduction—featuring top domestic stars and players abroad. Taiwan’s ace pitcher, widely regarded as a key player, is the Japanese-based fireballer Xu Ruo Xi. The infield features WBC hero Zhang Yucheng (Red Sox) and Zheng Zongzhe (Twins). Tiger rookie Li Haoyu, injured during warm-ups, may be replaced by Zhang Zhengyu (Weichuan Dragons). Outfield is anchored by captain Chen Jiexian, MVP of the 2024 Asian Baseball Championship, along with defender Fairchild.

South Korea: From MLB regulars to KBO superstars

Liu Hyeon-jin, a veteran pitcher for the Hanwha Eagles, is the team’s backbone, with extensive MLB experience, known for control and game management.

San Francisco Giants outfielder Kim Dae-yung is described as a “30–30 level superstar,” a breakout young star.

Liam Hendriks: Experienced MLB reliever, three-time All-Star, returned after battling lymphoma and Tommy John surgery.

Travis Bazzana: Top prospect, called “the strongest player in Australian baseball history,” 2024 MLB draft’s top pick.

Curtis Mead: MLB regular infielder, still a significant threat at the Classic level.

Czech Republic: One of the few European dark horses with MLB experience

Terrin Vavra (Orioles infielder): Played in MLB 2022–23, the most well-known Czech player.

Martin Červenka (Catcher/DH): Played in minor leagues for years, considered the most threatening hitter on the Czech team, with impressive stats at the 2025 European Championships.

Puerto Rico: Power-hitting infield and traditional powerhouse

Though overshadowed by the Dominican Republic and Venezuela in media coverage, Puerto Rico remains a formidable team with a luxurious infield.

Francisco Lindor (Mets): Longtime face of Puerto Rico, excellent defense and power at shortstop, rich international experience.

Carlos Correa (Twins): If healthy, forms a star-studded infield with Lindor.

Javier Báez (Tigers): Recent MLB performance has declined, but internationally known for flashy defense and high-intensity play, a star player with high visibility.

USA: MVP lineup plus Cy Young pitchers

Aaron Judge (Yankees): Longtime power hitter with 40–60 home run seasons, the most iconic player for Team USA.

Bryce Harper (Phillies): From a power-hitter youth to a postseason clutch player, with high OBP and power.

Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals): Seen as the “new face” of Team USA, combining speed and power.

Kyle Schwarber (Phillies): Averaging 47 home runs over three years, a DH slugger capable of changing games with one swing.

Cal Raleigh (Mariners): Set records with 60 homers and 125 RBIs in 2025, winning Silver Slugger and All-Star first team.

Paul Skenes (Pirates): CBS considers him “possibly the strongest WBC starter in US history,” recently won the National League ERA title, with a dominant fastball and off-speed pitches.

Tarik Skubal (Tigers): Consecutive AL Cy Young winner, top-tier ERA+ and WAR, expected to form a formidable 1-2 punch with Skenes.

Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers): Hall of Famer, a key figure in this WBC, despite being past his peak, remains a team symbol.

Dominican Republic: The Powerhouse with “Plátano Power”

U.S. media widely regard the Dominican as one of the top favorites to win this WBC, with “Plátano Power” frequently mentioned in previews.

Juan Soto (Mets): OPS+ around 150 for years, with excellent plate discipline and power, one of the top hitters in the world.

Fernando Tatis Jr. (Padres): Combines speed and power, considered one of the most exciting stars.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Blue Jays): A consistent offensive force following his Hall of Fame father.

Manny Machado (Padres): Versatile infielder, power hitter, and leader, core player for the team.

Sandy Alcantara (Marlins): 2022 NL Cy Young winner, widely expected to be the Dominican’s ace.

Cristopher Sánchez (Phillies): Second in 2025 Cy Young voting, forming a top-tier pitching duo with Alcantara.

Market Predictions for WBC? Polymarket Odds Revealed

As the 2026 World Baseball Classic begins, decentralized prediction market Polymarket has opened multiple betting odds. From individual game odds, group champions, to overall winner probabilities, market prices reflect current team favorites. As of March 5, the U.S. is the top favorite with a 50% chance; Japan 22%, Dominican Republic 18% follow.

Other teams’ odds are significantly lower, including Venezuela at 5%, Mexico 2%, Puerto Rico 1%. Taiwan’s win probability is at 1%, on par with Korea and Canada, considered a dark horse.

Taiwan’s first game against Australia is favored, with about a 68% win chance

In single-game odds, Taiwan’s win probability against Australia is about 68%, with Australia at 32%. This game is seen as crucial in Pool C, and a win would greatly improve Taiwan’s chances of advancing. Taiwan’s starting pitcher is the Japanese-based fireballer Xu Ruo Xi, while Australia has announced MLB veteran and MVP Alex Wells.

Other matches in the group:

• Korea 96% vs Czech 4%
• Australia 80% vs Czech 20%

Overall, the market still favors Japan and Korea as the strongest contenders in Group C.

Japan vs Taiwan: Only 9% win probability for Taiwan, Yusei Kikuchi to start

Another highly watched game is Taiwan vs Japan. The market shows Japan’s win probability at 91%, Taiwan only 9%. Japan is long considered a powerhouse in international competitions, with many MLB stars, making them a heavy favorite. The early announcement that MLB ace Yusei Kikuchi will start for Japan against Taiwan further tilts the odds.

Taiwan vs Czech: 84% win probability for Taiwan

In addition to Australia, Taiwan’s game against Czech is also favored, with an 84% win probability. The market generally believes Taiwan’s overall strength surpasses Czech. Although Czech’s “fairy tale” run with amateur players in the last WBC drew attention, the market still favors Taiwan’s professional-level roster.

Korea vs Taiwan: The most critical group match

In Group C, the Taiwan vs Korea game is seen as one of the most influential for qualification. The market shows Korea with a slight overall advantage, with Taiwan’s win probability at only 44%. Korea’s chance of winning Group C is 8%, compared to Taiwan’s 4%. Since the overall gap isn’t large, this game could be decisive for second place in the group.

Group C Champion Predictions: Japan 87%, Taiwan 4%

Looking at the group champion odds:

• Japan 87%
• Korea 8%
• Taiwan 4%
• Australia 3%
• Czech 1%

The market generally expects Japan to win the group convincingly, with Taiwan likely needing to aim for second place to advance.

50% of the market favors Taiwan’s advancement to the knockout stage

In the “advance to knockout stage” odds, Taiwan’s chances are neutral at 50%, similar to Australia, Czech Republic, Netherlands, and Puerto Rico. In contrast, the U.S. at 87%, Japan at 84%, and Dominican Republic at 77% are the most favored to advance.

Reaching the finals is still quite challenging, with current probabilities:

• USA 56%
• Japan 50%
• Dominican Republic 36%
• Taiwan 2%

Prediction markets are increasingly used as collective intelligence indicators for sports events. Unlike traditional betting odds set by bookmakers, prices on platforms like Polymarket are driven by investor trades, reflecting real-time crowd wisdom. However, prices can be influenced by capital flow, sentiment, and information gaps, so the implied probabilities are not exact predictions. As the tournament progresses, upsets or underperformance by top teams can cause rapid changes in odds.

A key advantage is that bets can be sold mid-game. For example, if I believe Taiwan’s chance of beating Japan is less than 10%, I can buy that bet. If Taiwan scores early and the odds shift, I can sell for a profit. Even if Taiwan loses, I can profit from the trade.

This article’s first published on ABMedia, titled “Classic Tournament Broadcasts and Viewing Highlights! Polymarket Predicts Nearly 70% Chance of Taiwan’s Win in First Game Against Australia.”