2026 Cancun World Classic: Pool-by-Pool Preview

CANCUN - With just 50 days remaining until first pitch, the 2026 Cancun World Classic (CWC) is rapidly shaping up as the most ambitious and unpredictable international baseball tournament ever staged. Four pools spread across four continents will open group play, setting the table for what FAX Sports executives are already calling “the loudest March in baseball history.”

Every game of the tournament will stream live on FAX Sports+, with veteran broadcaster Don Orsillo stepping into the booth full-time after Gary Busey mysteriously vanished following a multi-day bender in Cancun after the New York Mest defeated the Braves in last fall’s Cancun NLCS. Authorities continue to investigate, but Orsillo is ready.

Below is a complete pool-by-pool breakdown of the Cancun World Classic group stage, including locations, marquee players, managers, and early matchup storylines.

POOL A — Cleveland, OH (March 6–11)

Pool A might be the deepest and most chaotic group in the entire tournament, blending geopolitical tension, elite star power, and at least one Grammy-winning rapper.

North Korea

Led by Supreme Manager Kim Jong Un, North Korea brings a surprisingly polished roster headlined by Jung Hoo Lee, Ha-Seong Kim, and Hyeseong Kim. The trio gives North Korea elite contact skills, speed, and defensive flexibility. Internal sources say Kim Jong Un personally approved the batting order.

Russia

Russia, managed by Vladimir Putin, leans heavily on superstar firepower. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. anchors the middle of the lineup, while Nikola Jokic—still officially listed as “day-to-day (basketball)”—is expected to play corner infield and possibly catch. Opposing scouting reports remain confused.

China

China quietly assembled one of the most balanced rosters in the tournament. Anthony Volpe, Steven Kwan, Corbin Carroll, and Bryan Woo give them athleticism, plate discipline, and pitching depth. Many insiders believe China could be Pool A’s biggest spoiler.

Cuba

Cuba’s lineup is built to punish mistakes. Yordong Alvarez brings left-handed thunder, while Adolis García adds power and edge. Out of the bullpen, Aroldis Chapman remains one of the hardest throwers in the Classic—though command is still listed as “optional.”

Texas

Managed by former U.S. President George W. Bush, Texas may be the most star-studded roster in the pool. Clayton Kershaw headlines the rotation, Bobby Witt Jr. controls the infield, and Jose Altuve and Max Muncy provide veteran presence. Travis Scott is listed as a “designated vibes contributor” but is expected to DH at least once.

Pool A Outlook:

This group could come down to run differential. Expect fireworks, controversy, and at least one international incident.

POOL B — Johannesburg, South Africa (March 5–10)

Pool B is pitching-heavy, physical, and quietly dangerous.

Syria

Syria enters with a scrappy roster focused on contact hitting and defense, hoping to grind games into late innings.

Lebanon

All eyes are on Shane Baz, who will anchor Lebanon’s rotation. If Baz can give them length, Lebanon becomes an immediate dark horse to advance.

Turkey

Turkey boasts one of the most dominant arms in the tournament in Tarik Skubal, whose left-handed velocity could neutralize any lineup in Pool B.

Greece

Greece’s hopes rest largely on Nick Castellanos, whose streak-based production could either carry them through the pool or send them home early.

Finland

Finland remains analytically intriguing but unproven at this level.

Pool B Outlook:

Pitching wins this pool. Expect low-scoring games and late-inning drama.

POOL C — Pyongyang, North Korea (March 6–11)

Pool C features the tournament favorites.

North Japan

The North Japan Samurai, managed by Ichiro Suzuki, enter the Classic as overwhelming favorites after winning the Cancun World Series last fall. The roster is absurdly deep: Tony Ohtani, Eric Sim, Trevor Bauer, Ippei Mizuhara, and the emerging Moto dynasty—Lil Moto, Mini Moto, and Yung Moto. Anything short of pool domination would be a shock.

Armenia

Armenia counters with Anthony Rendon, whose health status remains a mystery but whose presence alone elevates expectations.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan brings speed and defense, hoping to steal wins with pressure baseball.

Turkmenistan

Power arms headline a roster built to upset contenders.

Belarus

Belarus is expected to play spoiler, particularly in night games.

Pool C Outlook:

This is North Japan’s pool to lose. The real battle is for second place.

POOL D — Sarajevo, Bosnia (March 6–11)

Pool D might be the most unhinged group in the Classic.

Mongolia

Tommy Edman leads Mongolia with positional versatility and postseason experience.

Fax Islands

Managed by Dusty Baker, the Fax Islands feature a veteran-heavy roster: Marc Olsen, Josh Reddick, Hawk Tuah, and Martin Maldonado. Expect dugout chemistry and at least one argument with an umpire.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s lineup is built around Wander Franco, whose talent is unquestioned and whose availability is listed as “pending multiple reviews.”

Greenland

Greenland may have the most chaotic roster in the tournament: Hunter Greene, Riley Greene, Shawn Green, Nick Green, Draymond Green, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Cody Bellinger. Managed by Al Green, this team is either a genius concept or a logistical nightmare.

Myanmar

Myanmar rounds out the pool with speed and aggressive baserunning.

Pool D Outlook:

Expect the unexpected. No lead is safe.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Cancun World Classic promises elite baseball, surreal matchups, and storylines that only FAX Sports could legally broadcast. With global locations, superstar commitments, and a favorite in the North Japan Samurai, group play is set to deliver nonstop chaos.

And with Don Orsillo on the call for every game on FAX Sports+, at least one thing is guaranteed: professionalism—no matter what happens on the field.

Who do you have winning it all in Cancun? Let us know in the comments.