Johannesburg, 17 February 2025: ESPN Africa will broadcast the upcoming World Baseball Classic Qualifiers live from Taiwan, bringing African audiences the excitement of international baseball as South Africa’s national baseball team fights for a place in the prestigious 2026 World Baseball Classic.

The qualifiers, taking place from 21 – 25 February at the Taipei Dome, will see South Africa face off against top international competition, including Nicaragua, Chinese Taipei, and Spain in their pool. With only two coveted spots available in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, the stakes are high, and ESPN Africa is ensuring fans across the continent can follow every moment of South Africa’s journey.

^{REGENSBURG, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 21: Team Czech Republic celebrates qualifying for the World Baseball Classic after defeating Team Spain during Game 9 at Armin-Wolf-Arena on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 in Regensburg, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images)}

Key fixtures in the qualifiers:

• Friday, 21 February – 06:00 on ESPN: South Africa vs. Nicaragua 
• Saturday, 22 February – 13:00 on ESPN2: Chinese Taipei vs. South Africa 
• Sunday, 23 February – 06:00 on ESPN: South Africa vs. Spain 
• Tuesday, 25 February – 13:00: 2nd vs. 3rd place decider (channel TBC if applicable)

The tournament follows a round-robin format, with the top team securing an automatic spot in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The second and third-ranked teams will battle in a final decider on 25 February for the remaining qualification place.

For updates on the World Baseball Classic Qualifiers and from the world of American sports, fans can connect to @ESPNAfrica on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit Africa.espn.com.

Your support makes stories like this possible!

Underground Press relies entirely on your generosity, enabling us to report on the entertainment industry, free of charge and independently. Your contribution ensures millions worldwide can continue to visit our site for amazing content from around the web.
*Currency in South African Rands (ZAR)