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Riding the high of the 2023 World Baseball Classic, it's easy to get excited for another potential USA-Japan rematch in the final. But let's not get too far ahead of ourselves. Before the knockout round comes pool play, and the four groups all have intriguing matchups loaded with storylines. Here are five must-watch games on the schedule at this year's World Baseball Classic.
March 7: South Korea vs. Japan
📺: 5 a.m. ET
You're likely going to need to set an alarm for this one if you're in North America, but Asia's most heated international baseball rivalry is worth the early wakeup call. However, it's been a rather one-sided rivalry lately, as Samurai Japan hasn't lost to South Korea in any tourney since the 2015 Premier12 Tournament semifinals. Japan also won when these teams last met in the WBC three years ago during the group stage, so revenge will certainly be on South Korea's mind. This contest will be the second Pool C game for both squads, meaning the winner could secure a better quarterfinal seeding if both advance. Asian baseball crowds can make a day at the diamond feel more like a soccer match, with nonstop chants, energy, and noise that makes the stadium shake - and that's just for a regular-season game. When it's Japan hosting South Korea at the Tokyo Dome, everything gets kicked up several dozen notches.
March 8: Dominican Republic vs. Netherlands
📺: 12 p.m. ET
The Dominicans need not be reminded of what the Dutch can do on the diamond. Seventeen years ago, the Netherlands pulled off what's still the biggest upset in WBC history by eliminating a star-studded Dominican Republic team that was expected to cruise to the title. This year, the Dutch have another chance to throw a wrench into the plans. Though the Dominicans are the clear favorite in Pool D, this matchup with the Netherlands looms as a trap if they're not careful. The Honkbalers, meanwhile, must win this outing if they hope to advance for the first time since reaching the semifinals in 2017. It's not necessarily a traditional rivalry game, but given what's likely at stake, this isn't one to miss.
March 9: Mexico vs. United States
📺: 8 p.m. ET
It's always a show when the United States and Mexico meet, regardless of the sport. Given recent events on and off the diamond, this game between Pool B favorites could take on a new level of significance on both sides of the border. Three years ago, Mexico beat the U.S. 11-5 in group play, ultimately winning the pool on a tiebreaker. That loss will surely give the Americans extra motivation, making this their long-awaited shot at revenge. Both teams are also stronger this time around, setting the stage for a higher level of competition. Add in what should be an electric atmosphere in Houston - a city that's home to large Mexican and Hispanic populations - and you have all the ingredients for an instant classic.
March 10: Canada vs. Puerto Rico
📺: 7 p.m. ET
This matchup will almost certainly be a must-win game for both teams. Canada, still seeking its first trip past the opening round of the WBC, has a chance to enter this contest 2-0 if it can beat Colombia and Panama. Even at 1-1, Ernie Whitt's Canadian squad could be primed to make history. However, standing in the way is a hungry Puerto Rican team buoyed by a raucous home crowd at San Juan's Hiram Bithorn Stadium. Unlike Canada, Puerto Rico has advanced out of the first round in each of the five previous WBCs and has twice reached the finals. To do that again, it must beat Canada in what'll be the team's final pool game. Canada and Puerto Rico may not be natural rivals, but there will certainly be plenty of tension between the strongest squads in Pool A.
March 11: Dominican Republic vs. Venezuela
📺: 8 p.m. ET
The two Pool D heavyweights have to wait until the final game of the group to square off. But even if they're just jockeying for quarterfinal positioning, this contest should be an absolute doozy. The Dominican Republic and Venezuela are proud baseball nations that have expectations of winning it all. Their fan bases are loud, spirited, and turn ballparks into giant parties. It's the kind of matchup that brings out the best in players and should feature incredible passion on both sides. Since it's the last game of Pool D and the tournament is short, there's a chance this ends up as a win-or-go-home showdown for either side or maybe even both. What a treat that would be if the baseball gods were to make it happen.
