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

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One of the marquee fixtures across pool play as Korea Republic and Japan square off.

Kick-off date/time:

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

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

Korea Republic vs Japan prediction

Fans in the Tokyo Dome are in for a treat as a Korea Republic line-up which put up 11 runs against Czechia to begin the tournament attempt to take down the Pool C favourites and defending WBC champions Japan. Whilst they won’t have to face Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who pitched vs Chinese Taipei, Korea Republic will find it a lot tougher to score runs against this Japanese pitching staff. After launching a first innings Grand Slam last time out, Bo Gyeong Moon will be hoping to carry on his strong start to the competition by making another big contribution here.

However, Japan represents a far superior level of opposition compared to Czechia, not least due to the batting prowess of Seiya Suzuki and Kensuke Kondoh, who will be hoping to be in among the RBIs over the course of this match. But all eyes as always will be on Shohei Ohtani with the home crowd no doubt willing for a home run from the greatest player on planet earth right now. When considering Ohtani’s elite skills at the plate and mega power, it’s well worth backing him to send one ball into the stands and help guide Japan to a win over their near-neighbours.

Korea Republic vs Japan tip: Japan to win and Shohei Ohtani to hit a home run