ESPN Africa to Broadcast World Baseball Classic Qualifiers Live

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.

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – FEBRUARY 03: Chieh Hsien Chen #24,Captain of Chinese Taipei talks during the Team Chinese Taipei Media Gathering ahead of the World Baseball Classic Qualifiers on February 03, 2025 in Taipei, Taiwan. (Photo by Gene Wang/Getty Images)

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.

TOKYO, JAPAN – MARCH 15: Cuba players celebrate the team’s victory and the qualification for semifinals following the World Baseball Classic quarterfinal between Australia and Cuba at Tokyo Dome on March 15, 2023 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Kenta Harada/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.

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)

How to tune in to ESPN:

ESPN: DStv 218, Starsat 248 

ESPN2: DStv 219, Starsat 249

• All times are stated in CAT / SAST.
• Schedule subject to change

Main Image: ESPN

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