United States ranked top contender as 2026 World Baseball Classic begins

The 2026 World Baseball Classic is underway, drawing many of baseball's biggest international stars to compete over the next two weeks As the tournament begins, new power rankings have established the United States as the top favorite to win the title

Designated as a 'superteam' and the sole team revealed in the top contender tier, the American squad enters the event with commanding -110 title odds The expectations surrounding the team are immense as they navigate their pool play games on the global stage

A key player expected to shine for the U.S. is Bobby Witt Jr., who has been singled out as a most likely MVP candidate His potential role marks a significant evolution from the previous World Baseball Classic, where he participated as a 22-year-old pinch runner and received only two at-bats Witt's journey from a peripheral player to a potential superstar leader embodies the high-stakes, career-defining nature of the tournament While the full scope of contenders is still emerging, the focus is squarely on the United States and whether they can fulfill their role as the team to beat in this year's event