Mexico vs USA Preview & Prediction | 2026 World Baseball Classic | Pool Stage
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Whilst USA enter this Pool B fixture as clear favourites, Mexico have beaten them in each of their last three WBC encounters.
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
Mexico vs USA prediction
These two nations last faced off in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, a match which saw Mexico defeat Team USA 11-5 in pool play. Three years later in Houston, these two proud baseball heartlands are set to lock horns again, with the winners likely to finish top of Pool B although Italy cannot be counted out just yet. The Mexicans made a statement on Sunday night with a demolition job of Brazil, racing to an 11-0 lead after just four innings and eventually inflicting the ‘mercy rule’ to bring an early end to proceedings.
USA haven’t been at their best over the course of their two matches played so far and were made to sweat last time out by Great Britain, who led by a run heading into the bottom of the fifth, before Ernie Clement drew an infield error, leading to a Pete Crow-Armstrong double followed by the tying run off a wild pitch. Kyle Schwarber then backed that up with a monster two-run homer into the upper deck and the United States never looked back, ultimately winning 9-1.
National League CY Young Award winner and former Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes will make his World Baseball Classic debut for USA and the young superstar pitcher taking the mount to start this game immediately gives his country a huge advantage. Skenes is truly a generational talent and it’s hard not to see him being completely locked in for what is arguably his first taste of truly meaningful tournament baseball since his college days at LSU.
Mexico may have boasted the edge over USA in previous showdowns, but never have they faced an American starting pitcher of Skenes’ quality. Combine that with the relentless power and plate discipline of their batting line-up and this feels like the match which sees USA get their revenge on an all-time WBC nemesis. Expect a closer game than previous Pool B encounters, but one which sees Aaron Judge and his men ultimately prevail.
Mexico vs USA tip: USA to win
