MLB eyes Taipei Dome for World Baseball Classic qualifiers

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Major League Baseball (MLB) has shown interest in hosting the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) qualifiers at Taipei Dome in February next year, marking a significant step for Taiwan in international baseball events, according to reports.

Despite Taiwan's inability to secure hosting rights for the main tournament due to high rights fees, the Chinese Taipei Baseball Association (CTBA) has been proactive in bringing the qualifiers to Taiwan. Representatives from MLB reportedly recently inspected the Taipei Dome and expressed their intention to hold the qualifiers there to the CTBA.

The 2026 WBC will feature 20 teams, with 16 already confirmed and the remaining four to be selected through the qualifiers. Taiwan's team will have to start from the qualifiers to secure a spot in the main event this year.

Global Stage Awaits

The main tournament's preliminary rounds will be hosted in notable cities, including Tokyo, Japan; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Miami, USA; and Houston, USA. This global lineup underscores the WBC's status as a premier international baseball competition. Taiwan's participation, starting with the qualifiers, offers a unique opportunity for the nation to showcase its talent and passion for baseball on an international platform.

As Taiwan prepares for the possibility of hosting the qualifiers, the focus will be on leveraging this opportunity to make a mark in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, setting the stage for future international sporting events in the country.