The Avengers are fully committed to challenging Team Japan! The head coach of Team USA is eager for "revenge."

Mark DeRosa, the head coach of Team USA who secured second place in the previous WBC World Baseball Classic, mentioned in a recent interview that the loss in the 2023 final still lingers in his mind. He expressed, "It's not entirely about 'revenge,' but that defeat was indeed heartbreaking. Since 2023, I've been anticipating this opportunity again." His words revealed a strong determination to challenge Japan once more and reclaim the championship.

Besides Team USA, Netflix also interviewed several prominent national team coaches, including Albert Pujols of the Dominican Republic, Omar López from Venezuela, and Zeng Haoju, head coach of Chinese Taipei—who shares Group C with Japan and recently won the World 12 Nations Championship. Additionally, coaches such as Ryu Jung-il of South Korea, David Nilsson of Australia, and Pavel Chadim of the Czech Republic were also featured.

It is widely believed that these interviews not only highlight the high regard each team has for Japan’s strength but also emphasize the prevailing atmosphere of "challenging the Samurai Japan" throughout this Classic. Especially after Japan’s championship win last time, their goal to defend the title has made them the primary rival for all opponents.

Japan’s team continues to be led by head coach Hirokazu Ibata this year, with a star-studded lineup. Including Shohei Ohtani, the roster features nine Major League players—Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Yusei Kikuchi, Yuki Matsui, Kazuma Okamoto, Munetaka Murakami, Seiya Suzuki, Masataka Yoshida, and Tomoyuki Sugano—setting a new record for the most MLB players ever selected in team history, further intensifying the competitive tension of this Classic.