© Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
SCOTTSDALE — Baseball fans in the Valley will experience a different kind of spring training next year, as the World Baseball Classic, or the WBC, is set to make its mark in Arizona before the start of the tournament.
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!
Mexico’s Alek Thomas (5) hits for a single against the USA during the World Baseball Classic at Chase Field in Phoenix on March 12, 2023. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
The international tournament is held every three years, featuring 20 countries. In 2026, the tournament will be played in Houston, Miami, San Juan and Tokyo.
The WBC will host a variety of exhibition games against MLB teams in March, including a matchup on March 3, when the Arizona Diamondbacks take on Mexico’s national baseball team at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.
The exhibition games give players a chance to shake off rust before the season and the tournament, while also offering fans a preview of what’s to come in the Classic. With Arizona home to one of the country’s largest Mexican and Mexican-American populations, the exhibition carries added cultural significance.
Mar 3, 2025; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, Arizona, USA; Arizona © Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Diamondbacks second base Ketel Marte (4) hits a single against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Playing against the D-Backs creates a rare head-to-head opportunity that resonates beyond borders. While nothing is at stake, many Arizonans of Mexican descent will have the chance to see two of their own face off in a unique matchup.
Many of the games in the last tournament were held at Chase Field in 2023, where Mexico faced the United States in pool play. With the event not returning to Arizona next year, spring training will offer the closest fans can get to WBC action in the state.
Mexico’s Joey Meneses (32) celebrates his 2-run home run against the USA during the World Baseball Classic at Chase Field in Phoenix on March 12, 2023. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
Below are the rest of the exhibition games that are scheduled for
To prepare for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, there will be exhibition games on March 3-4 between MLB teams and national teams competing in the WBC.
Here is the full 28-game schedule: pic.twitter.com/0QoojQOlPO
— Shawn Spradling (@Shawn_Spradling) November 5, 2025
Whether you’re a Mexico fan, Diamondbacks fan, or just a baseball fan in general, the WBC exhibition games will provide something you won’t see every year.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Diamondbacks open to trading top prospects to address one massive need
