PHOENIX — Team USA’s path to the World Baseball Classic will begin in the desert, where eyes from across the nation will follow the club’s preparation — including a visit from one of sports media’s most popular talk shows.
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Feb 6, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Pat McAfee on the Pat McAfee Show set at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The team will gather on Monday in Arizona for training and a series of exhibition games before heading to Houston to begin pool play in the tournament. Adding to the spotlight, The Pat McAfee Show will broadcast live from the team’s first workout, bringing a national audience directly into camp.
“We are loaded,” host Pat McAfee said while closing his show Friday. “Team USA is loaded. All the boys of USA Baseball are playing. And it’s the first time in a long time, from my understanding, that America has everybody. We’re talking Judge, Bryce, Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal, Bobby Witt Jr. Everybody, I think is playing for America. And we’re gonna get a chance to see them all.”
We will be LIVE from Arizona on Monday with @USABaseball..
Team USA is LOADED for the World Baseball Classic #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/tteMLhHsgO
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 27, 2026
The Arizona stop is not just about preparation — it is also a preview of what Team USA believes it can become. The roster features All-Star talent, including reigning MVPs and frontline aces, united under one flag in pursuit of another championship.
Team USA designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) rounds second after hitting a three-run home run against Great Britain during the World Baseball Classic at Chase Field in Phoenix on March 11, 2023. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
Baseball World Baseball Classic Opening Day
With the Valley opening its doors to the start of that journey, local fans will have a rare opportunity to witness a collection of elite American talent before the games begin to count. The World Baseball Classic, held every three years, has evolved into one of the sport’s premier international showcases, and this year’s roster reflects that growing importance.
While exhibition games do not carry the weight of tournament matchups, the urgency remains. Players will focus on building chemistry and camaraderie quickly before departing for Texas, where the stakes intensify.
New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) bats a 2-run home run against Detroit Tigers during the third inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Team USA’s pursuit of international gold is underway – and the road begins in Arizona.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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