Japan emerges as baseball superpower ahead of the United States

On July 27, 2026, Munetaka Murakami led the Chicago White Sox to a 12-3 victory against the Houston Astros, driving in six runs with two home runs. This performance coincided with a celebration of Japanese culture at Rate Field, enhancing Murakami's impact as one of the prominent Japanese players in Major League Baseball. Japan has solidified its position as a powerhouse in baseball, winning three World Baseball Classics since 2006, compared to the U.S.'s win in 2017. As the popularity of baseball grows in the U.S., implications for future international competitions, including the potential participation of MLB players in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, remain significant.

• 8:34 PMYahoo Sports — Japan has passed the United States in baseball