2026 World Baseball Classic: Minute Maid Park selected to host semifinal of international tournament

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The 2026 World Baseball Classic will be held at Minute Maid Park after Houston was selected Wednesday as one of the venues for the next show.

The Juice Box has joined three other locations alongside LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, Tokyo Dome in Japan and Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“We are thrilled and honored to host World Baseball Classic games for the first time,” Astros owner and chairman Jim Crane said in a statement. “Houston is a global city with the best fans in baseball, and we are proud to welcome fans from around the world to attend international competitions at Minute Maid Park.”

In March 2026, Houston will host group stage games and a quarterfinal of the sixth World Baseball Classic.

Additionally, major sporting events have frequently been held in the Bayou City in recent times. Houston hosted the 2024 College Football Playoff championship game this year. The city also hosted the men’s Final Four in 2023.