Czechia vs Japan Preview & Prediction | 2026 World Baseball Classic | Pool Stage

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

Czechia takes on Japan in a rematch from the 2023 WBC, an occasion remembered fondly by both nations.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / USA – Fox Sports / Japan – Netflix

How to watch online: UK – Cannot be streamed / USA – Fox ONE / Japan – Netflix

Czechia vs Japan prediction

The long-awaited rematch between Czechia’s pitching electrician Ondrej Satoria and Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani is set for the Tokyo Dome in this final Pool C fixture. Satoria, who works as an electric company technician made headlines three years ago when he struck out Ohtani on three pitches, a viral moment across the baseball word and core memory from that World Baseball Classic. Czechia led that game for two innings after scoring in the first before the eventual champions roared back to win 10-2.

Fast forward three years and these two nations meet again, with Japan already guaranteed to finish top of Pool C after winning their other three matches, whilst Czechia are eliminated in fifth-place having lost to Korea Republic, Australia and Chinese Taipei respectively. It goes without saying that Japan are overwhelming favourites, with all their players being professionals and no team having scored less runs than Czechia.

There is value when it comes to Japanese players scoring home runs and Masataka Yoshida should come into to focus. The Boston Red Sox hit has racked up three homers across Japan’s last two games and backing him to go big once again this time around represents a shrewd move.

Czechia vs Japan tip: Japan to win and Masataka Yoshida to hit a home run