The 2026 World Baseball Classic is underway! Here's what to know about the ghost runner rule in extra innings throughout the tournament?

Played on March 14, 2017, at the Tokyo Dome, the game lasted 11 innings and took 4 hours and 40 minutes to complete. Japan ultimately walked away with an 8–5 victory, but the contest is remembered for its high tension and the sheer endurance required under the tournament's strict pitching rules.

The 2026 World Baseball Classic will be played under the Official Rules of Major League Baseball. All Tournament games shall be played according to the provisions of the 2025 Official Baseball Rules,

While Mexico has yet to advance to the WBC Championship game, they are coming off of their most successful run in any of the five tournaments, placing third, winning as many games in 2023 as they had in the previous four tournaments combined.

Team USA opens its 2026 World Baseball Classic campaign Friday night against Brazil, entering the tournament as one of the clear favorites to capture the international title. After finishing as runner-up in 2023,