The World Baseball Classic began with 20 teams. Now, with the quarterfinals approaching this week, that number will be whittled down to eight. Here’s a look at where the field stands entering the final two days of pool play.
I. Clinched a spot in the quarterfinals (5)
Teams: Japan (3-0), Korea (2-2), Puerto Rico (3-0), Dominican Republic (3-0), Venezuela (3-0)
What’s left to settle: If Puerto Rico beats Canada on Tuesday, they clinch the top seed in Pool A. Japan clinched Pool C even before facing Czechia on Tuesday, while Korea secured the second spot thanks to owning a tiebreaker.
The winner of Wednesday’s game between Venezuela and the Dominican Republic claims Pool D and secures a quarterfinal matchup on Friday in Miami with Pool C runner-up Korea. The loser of that game will face a tougher test in the quarters, a quarterfinal clash on Saturday in Miami with the defending champions Samurai Japan.
II. Still alive for the last three spots (5)
Teams: United States (3-0), Cuba (2-1), Canada (1-1), Mexico (2-1), Italy (2-0)
What’s left to settle: For Team USA, it’s simple. Win against Italy on Tuesday and they’re onto the next round, having clinched one of two quarterfinal berths in a competitive Pool B. If the Americans qualify, they’d play Friday in Houston regardless of seed against Pool A’s Canada, Cuba or unbeaten Puerto Rico. Aside from playing the Americans, Italy also has a game remaining against Mexico.
Canada and Cuba are battling it out to decide which will join Puerto Rico in advancing. Puerto Rico could go 4-0 and clinch the top spot in their group on Tuesday with a win against Canada, which also faces Cuba on Wednesday.
The first tiebreaker, if needed, is the head-to-head record between tied teams, followed by fewest runs allowed divided by outs recorded by tied teams, fewest earned runs allowed divided by outs recorded by tied teams, and then the highest batting average in games between tied teams. If teams are tied across all those scenarios, pool placement advancement will be decided by a drawing of lots.
III. Eliminated (10)
Teams: Australia (2-2), Brazil (0-4), Chinese Taipei (2-2), Colombia (1-3), Czechia (0-3), Great Britain (1-3), Israel (1-2), Netherlands (1-2), Nicaragua (0-4), Panama (1-3)