HOUSTON –- When the teams and schedules of the 2026 World Baseball ClassicGroup B at Houston’s Daikin Park focused for many people on one duel in particular: Today’s Monday between Mexico and the United States.

With Mexico’s victory over Brazil 16-0 on Sunday via knockout, the stage is set for that match on Monday to have all the expected weight, with both teams entering the clash with a 2-0 record. The United States defeated Brazil 15-5 on Friday and Great Britain 9-1 on Saturday, while Mexico beat the British team 8-2 on Friday before overwhelming the Brazilians on Sunday.

World Baseball Classic 2026

Group A (San Juan) presented by Discover Puerto Rico
Group B (Houston) and Group D (Miami) presented by Capital One

Monday’s clash will not necessarily decide the two qualifiers from Group B for the quarterfinals; At the end of the day, this key has become a three-way fight, with Mexico, the US and Italy boasting perfect 2-0 records. One of them will be left out. But whoever wins Monday’s game will secure a place in the next round.

“We’re excited. I think they (the US) are excited,” said Mexico National Team manager Benjamín Gil. “At the end of the day, it has become a rivalry when it should never have been a rivalry. Maybe their rival should be Japan, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, but it has become a rivalry because we have been successful.

“And credit to the ‘ugly duckling’, which is Mexico, which perhaps should never have been its rival. But we have done it by doing our job on the ground.”

Indeed, in the last four Classics, Mexico has defeated the United States three times, including an 11-5 victory in 2023 at Chase Field in Phoenix.

On Monday another chapter of that story will be written, but with a very strong contrast on the mound. American manager Mark DeRosa’s squad will feature star right-hander Paul Skenes, winner of the National League Cy Young Award in 2025 and who will be making his debut in the World Classics. For Mexico, right-hander Manny Barreda will start the match, in what is shaping up to be a “bullpen game” for those led by Gil.

For Mexico, the good news from its 5.2-inning victory over Brazil on Sunday is that the team did not have to turn to its top relievers, such as Robert García, Victor Vodnik, Luis Gastélum and star closer Andrés Muñoz. All of them will have two days of rest.

“We are excited to play another great team,” Gil said. “And we know they’re great. But we’re going to try to be a little bit better. Even if we win by half a race, we’ll take it.”

For his part, Skenes can’t wait to wear the United States uniform to the mound for the first time in his still young career.

“Obviously, it’s going to be a great atmosphere,” Skenes said. “The biggest thing will be going out and executing. So, I look forward to it.”

“THE BEST 30 PLAYERS”

Last week, DeRosa was asked about Mexico’s potential starter for Monday’s clash. The American leader essentially said that by having “the best 30 players” in the world in his own clubhouse, he didn’t care who started the game for the Mexicans.

When the topic was put to Gil on Sunday after the victory over Brazil, the Mexican manager spoke with his usual style.

“He is absolutely right, in that he doesn’t care who opens for us,” said the Tijuana-Californian. “And I’m absolutely right that I don’t care who starts for them. What does it matter? It’s an American pitcher against a Mexican pitcher. We’re going to play against each other.

“Do they have the best 30 players in the world? I think the Dominican Republic has something to say about that. I think Japan has something to say about that. I don’t know if they have the best 30 players. I think the Dominican Republic would raise its hand very quickly. I think Japan would raise its hand very quickly. I think Venezuela would raise its hand very quickly.

“Maybe they are the best players in the world. We have to be the best players of that day. They are a super team. They have a roster full of star players, players who are going to the All-Star Game, MVP candidates, Cy Young candidates, Gold Gloves, Silver Bat… but this game is about winning a game and we are going to go out and give our best. If it’s enough for us, great. If it’s not enough, we’re going to give our best.”

What is expected is a great atmosphere at Daikin Park, with a very strong Mexican presence in the state of Texas.

“The Mexican public always shows its face,” commented outfielder Alek Thomas, who hit a home run on Sunday against Brazil. “It’s going to be on.”

Gil added: “It is a priced ticket, considered a sporting event, not just a baseball event, not just a baseball game. It is one of the most anticipated baseball events of the year.”