WBC offers Canada chance to qualify for 2028 Olympics
The World Baseball Classic is the first qualifier across all Olympic sports included in the LA28 programme for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, offering two tickets to the best teams from the Americas, in addition to USA who have already qualified as hosts. Photo: Baseball Canada
March 6, 2026
Official WBSC News Release
The road to the Los Angeles 2028 (LA28) Olympic Games has officially begun — and baseball is leading the way.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic is the first qualifying event across all sports on the LA28 programme, with two Olympic berths on the line for the top teams from the Americas, in addition to the host nation USA, who have already qualified.
With baseball making its highly anticipated Olympic return at the LA28 Games, the six-team Olympic tournament will be shaped entirely by performance on the world stage. Following the results of the World Baseball Classic, the remaining three coveted spots are to be earned through two additional international tournaments.
The LA28 Olympic Games baseball qualification journey begins with the 2026 World Baseball Classic, which opened on 5 March in Tokyo, Japan. The global showcase continues across San Juan (Puerto Rico), Miami and Houston (USA), culminating in the World Championship Game in Miami on 17 March.
Ten of the 20 participating nations entered in the tournament have an opportunity to qualify to the LA28 Games.
Pool A: Canada, Colombia, Cuba, Panama, Puerto Rico
Pool B: Brazil, Mexico
Pool D: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Venezuela
The field combines established Olympic pedigree with emerging contenders chasing landmark achievements.
Cuba stands among the most decorated nations in Olympic baseball history, boasting three gold medals and two silvers. The Dominican Republic has also claimed an Olympic medal - an historic bronze at Tokyo 2020. Meanwhile, Colombia, Brazil and Venezuela are pursuing what would be historic first appearances in Olympic baseball — a breakthrough moment for their national programmes.
The two highest-placed eligible teams will not only secure their country's Olympic spot in the six-team tournament - but they will also become the first qualified teams across any sport on the 2028 Olympic programme.
Premier 12
The Olympic race continues at the WBSC Premier12 2027, which has now expanded to a 16-team format and carrying direct Olympic qualification implications. With the WBSC Premier12 2027 Qualifiers taking place in 2026, the Road to LA28 continues for some countries later this year.
Two places will be awarded at the WBSC Premier12 2027:
The highest-placed Asian team
The top team from Europe or Oceania
Asia brings formidable Olympic pedigree, with Japan, Chinese Taipei and Korea all having claimed Olympic medals. China also remains a strong contender in the region.
In Europe and Oceania, traditional powers such as the Netherlands and Australia headline the race, while Italy, Czechia, Germany and Great Britain are also in contention. For Czechia, Germany and Great Britain, qualification would mark a historic Olympic debut.
Final chance in 2028
The sixth and final Olympic berth will be decided at a six-team Olympic Qualifying Tournament to be staged no later than March 2028.
Participants will include:
Two eligible teams from the 2027 European Championship
Two from the 2027 Asian Championship
The African champion
The highest-placed eligible team from the Oceania Championship
Only one nation will emerge with the final ticket to Los Angeles.
By early 2028, the Olympic baseball field will be complete, looking ahead to the exciting LA28 Olympic Baseball Tournament, which will be staged at the iconic Dodger Stadium, one of the world’s most legendary ballparks. The venue previously hosted the Baseball Demonstration Tournament during the 1984 Olympic Games, adding historical resonance to baseball’s return to the Olympic stage.