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What channel is Japan vs. Chinese Taipei on? Time, TV schedule, live stream to watch 2026 WBC baseball game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Japan's push for a second-straight World Baseball Classic title begins with a bout against Chinese Taipei on Friday morning.
Japan vanquished all comers en route to a famous WBC win in 2023. Shohei Ohtani showed out en route to the championship, claiming tournament MVP honors after posting a 1.345 OPS across 33 plate appearances and recording a 1.86 ERA in two starts. He famously whiffed Mike Trout to deliver another crown to Japan's collection, its third in its history.
Three years on, Japan looks as strong as ever. Ohtani headlines the Hirokazu Ibata-helmed side. He's not the only standout set to take the pitch in Japanese pinstripes. Japan boasts arguably the tournament's best rotation, with World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto slated to serve as the ace after Ohtani opted against pitching. Yusei Kikuchi, Tomoyuki Sugano and Hiroto Takahashi make up the rest of the four-man unit, making for an intimidating sight for opposition hitters.
Japan's lineup is similarly loaded, with Seiya Suzuki, Munetaka Murakami and Masataka Yoshida all expected to get some buzz.
Japan is the only side that has claimed back-to-back WBC titles, doing so in 2006 and 2009. Can Japan repeat the feat 17 years later? Only time will tell.
With that, here's the broadcasting information for Japan's first game of its WBC slate, a matchup with Chinese Taipei.
What channel is Japan vs. Chinese Taipei on?
- TV channel: FS1
- Live stream: Fubo
Japan and Chinese Taipei's matchup will air on FS1 in the U.S. Spanish speakers can follow along with the coverage on Fox Deportes, while cord-cutters can find the action on Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
Japan vs. Chinese Taipei start time
- Date: Friday, March 6
- Time: 5 a.m. ET
First pitch from Japan and Chinese Taipei's clash will take place at 5 a.m. ET (7 p.m. local time). The game will be contested at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan.
Japan vs. Chinese Taipei radio coverage
- Radio channel: SiriusXM
Those hoping to listen to Japan and Chinese Taipei's joust can do so on SiriusXM via channel.
New subscribers can listen to SiriusXM for free for four months. Listen to live NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL games, plus NASCAR, college sports and more. Stay updated with all the news and get all the analysis on multiple sport-specific channels.
Japan WBC schedule 2026
Here's a look at Japan's slate during the pool stage.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Fri., March 6 | at Chinese Taipei | 5 a.m. |
| Sat., March 7 | vs. South Korea | 5 a.m. |
| Sun., March 8 | at Australia | 5 a.m. |
| Tues., March 9 | at Czechia | 5 a.m. |
Chinese Taipei WBC schedule 2026
Here's a look at Chinese Taipei's slate during the pool stage.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Thurs., March 5 | vs. Australia | — |
| Fri., March 6 | vs. Japan | 5 a.m. |
| Sat., March 7 | at Czechia | 10 p.m. |
| Sun., March 8 | at South Korea | 10 p.m. |
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Italy Manager Has No Intentions Of Dropping Inter Milan & Italy Superstar Amid Boos From Serie A Fans
Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso reportedly has no intentions of omitting Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni from his squad later this month.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInterNews, the 26-year-old will feature for the Azzurri in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs.
Alessandro Bastoni has become one of the most unpopular figures in Serie A after his antics during last month’s Derby d’Italia against Juventus.
Indeed, in addition to faking a foul, which tricked Federico La Penna into sending off Pierre Kalulu, cameras caught the star defender celebrating the Frenchman’s expulsion.
Since then, fans across the country have booed Bastoni at every opportunity.
Italy Boss Gennaro Gattuso Won’t Omit Alessandro Bastoni from March Call-Up
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Alessandro Bastoni of Inter celebrates after the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Despite being pressured by the Azzurri supporters to drop Bastoni, Gennaro Gattuso has no intention of doing it.
Indeed, the Nerazzurri stalwart has been a cornerstone of Italy’s defense for years.
With the four-time world champions set to face Northern Ireland in a crunch playoff showdown, Gattuso cannot afford to sideline Bastoni.
Therefore, the former Atalanta man will represent his country despite the risk of drawing boos from sections of the crowd.