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ESPN Africa to broadcast World Baseball Classic qualifiers, featuring South Africa, live

Gift Ngoepe, who was the first Africa-born player to make his Major League Baseball debut and played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, played in the World Baseball Classic qualifiers in 2016. His brother Vincent is in the team this time around. Photo by Steve Christo/WBCI/MLB via Getty Images

ESPN Africa will broadcast the upcoming World Baseball Classic Qualifiers live from Taiwan, as South Africa's national baseball team fights for a place in the prestigious 2026 World Baseball Classic.

The qualifiers, taking place from February 21-25 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 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.

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.

For updates on the World Baseball Classic Qualifiers and from the world of American sports, fans can connect to @ESPNAfrica on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit Africa.espn.com.

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