TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's national baseball team (中華隊) is gearing up for a possible high-stakes clash with MLB star Shohei Ohtani (大谷翔平) from Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), following China's defeat to Brazil on Tuesday (March 4). China suffered a 2-12 defeat against Brazil in the WBC qualification Group B match, marking their third consecutive loss, preventing them from advancing to the 2026 game — the first time the Chinese team has failed to qualify for the tournament.
Meanwhile, Taiwan's national baseball team (中華隊) clinched a spot in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) after a successful qualification campaign, and is set to compete in Group C of the games next year. Taiwan's Group C opponents include Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Czech Republic. These matchups promise exciting games, especially as Taiwan has previously faced Japan, South Korea, and Australia in the Premier12 tournament.
The upcoming encounter with Shohei Ohtani will be their first in an official international event, heightening the anticipation among baseball enthusiasts. As Taiwan prepares for the 2026 WBC, the prospect of competing against top-tier teams and players like Ohtani offers a chance to showcase their skills on a global stage. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, eager to see how Taiwan performs against some of the world's best baseball talent.