TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan will face Japanese professional teams Orix Buffaloes (歐力士猛牛隊) and Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks (福岡軟銀鷹隊) in warm-up matches March 2-3 before the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The exhibition games in Miyazaki, Japan precede Taiwan's official WBC tournament debut at Tokyo Dome. Taiwan's preparation reflects the island's serious commitment to competing in baseball's premier international championship event.
Taiwan opens WBC competition March 5 against Australia in Group C, which includes South Korea, Czech Republic, and host nation Japan. The five-team group structure creates intense competition as each nation battles for advancement to the tournament's next round. Group C represents one of the most competitive pools in the international baseball championship, featuring traditional powerhouses and emerging programs.
Japan and South Korea schedule warm-up matches at Osaka's Kyocera Dome, with Japan facing Orix Buffaloes and Hanshin Tigers (阪神虎隊) March 2-3. Group C competition begins March 5 at Tokyo Dome, where Taiwan faces Japan, Czech Republic, and South Korea in sequential matchups. The tournament format ensures each team plays multiple games to determine advancement to the World Baseball Classic's elimination rounds. ◼
