The stage is set for one of baseball’s most storied rivalries as South Korea’s Ko Young-pyo takes the mound against Japan in the highly anticipated Group C clash at the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) on March 7 at Tokyo Dome. With a decade-long drought against their archrivals hanging heavy over the squad, the stakes could hardly be higher for Ko and his teammates.
South Korea enters this pivotal matchup riding the momentum of an emphatic 11-4 victory over the Czech Republic, a win that finally broke their notorious WBC first-game jinx. Manager Ryu Ji-hyun, emboldened by that performance, wasted no time in announcing Ko Young-pyo as his starter for the showdown against Japan. The veteran right-handed sidearmer has earned his reputation in the KBO League, notching 11 wins and 8 losses with a 3.30 ERA in 29 appearances last season for KT Wiz. He’s one of the most consistent pitchers in Korea, with four seasons of double-digit wins since his 2015 debut.
Ko’s international pedigree is just as impressive. The 2026 WBC marks his fourth time donning the national jersey, following appearances at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, the 2023 WBC, and the 2024 Premier12. Yet, for all his experience, the weight of expectation is unmistakable. South Korea hasn’t beaten Japan in a pro-level international contest since the 2015 WBSC Premier12 semifinals, suffering 10 straight defeats and managing only a single draw in their last 11 meetings. The most recent encounter, in November 2025 at Tokyo Dome during the 'K-Baseball Series,' ended in a dramatic 7-7 tie thanks to Kim Joo-won’s last-gasp home run, but the elusive win remained out of reach.
The assignment for Ko is clear: snap the losing streak and reassert South Korea’s place among baseball’s elite. The pressure isn’t lost on him. Reflecting on his journey, Ko shared, “Every time I come to the national team, the pressure not to fail is immense. But if you think about it differently, we’ve been eliminated in the WBC group stage three times. Against Japan, the defending champions packed with great players, we have to approach it with the mindset of challengers.” (as quoted by Yonhap News)
Ko’s poise under pressure is well documented. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics semifinal against Japan, he delivered a strong performance, allowing just two runs over five innings. However, the 2023 WBC brought disappointment when he surrendered two runs in 4.1 innings against Australia, taking the loss. “International tournaments always leave me with regrets. I overthought things on the mound,” Ko admitted. For this WBC, he’s determined to trust his instincts. “I really wanted to do well, but this time, I’m letting go of those thoughts and just focusing on pitching instinctively. Regardless of the result, I want to feel like I fought the hitters properly.”
Preparation for this high-stakes game began early. Ko learned he’d be starting against Japan about three days before the team left Okinawa for the mainland. “Every night, I thought about why the manager entrusted me with this game, and I came up with my own answers,” he revealed. He’s been one of the team’s sharpest arms in recent weeks, even tossing a scoreless inning against Hanshin in a practice game in Osaka on March 2.
The Tokyo Dome, renowned as a home run haven, presents its own set of challenges, especially with the tournament’s lively official baseballs and Japan’s fearsome lineup, which includes MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani. Yet, Ko isn’t making excuses. “It’s true there’s pressure, but worrying about the dome, the ball, or Ohtani won’t suddenly make me throw 150 km/h fastballs. I just need to clear my mind, be aggressive on the mound, and do my best within my pitch count,” he said, underscoring his no-nonsense approach.
South Korea’s schedule is nothing short of brutal. Less than 24 hours after facing Japan, they’ll square off against Taiwan in another crucial Group C fixture. Ko is unfazed by the grind. “It’s not just our country with a tough schedule. Ultimately, our goal is to reach the quarterfinals. We have to plan strategically to get there,” he emphasized.
On the other side of the diamond, Japan counters with left-handed MLB fireballer Yusei Kikuchi, now with the Los Angeles Angels. Manager Ibatta Hirokazu confirmed Kikuchi’s start after Japan’s dominant 13-0 win over Taiwan, stating, “Korea is a very powerful team. They swing with a lot of power. We have to minimize mistakes.” (as quoted by Japanese media) Kikuchi brings serious heat, regularly touching the high 150 km/h range with his fastball and notching 206 strikeouts last season. In 33 appearances for the Angels, Kikuchi logged 178 1/3 innings—his most since arriving in the majors—and posted a 7-11 record with a 3.99 ERA. His MLB career, spanning seven seasons, includes a 48-58 record, one save, and a 4.46 ERA.
The contrast in pitching styles couldn’t be sharper. Ko relies on pinpoint control and a deceptive changeup, excelling at inducing ground balls and keeping hitters off balance. Kikuchi, by contrast, is a classic power pitcher, capable of overwhelming batters with sheer velocity but occasionally struggling with command. This duel—precision versus power—could well determine the outcome of this much-hyped contest.
South Korea’s bullpen, predominantly right-handed, will likely play a key role in supporting Ko, especially if the game turns into a battle of attrition. Manager Ryu Ji-hyun’s decision to start Ko, rather than saving his ace for potentially more winnable games against Taiwan or Australia, signals an intent to go toe-to-toe with Japan rather than ducking the challenge.
As the teams prepare for the first pitch, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch among fans across both nations. Can Ko Young-pyo finally help South Korea shake off the ghosts of past defeats? Will Kikuchi’s power pitching shut down Korea’s revitalized offense? The answers will unfold under the bright lights of Tokyo Dome, where every pitch, every swing, and every decision will be magnified.
With both teams eyeing a spot in the quarterfinals and national pride on the line, Friday night’s clash promises to be an unforgettable chapter in the storied Korea-Japan baseball rivalry. For now, the only certainty is that all eyes will be on Ko Young-pyo as he steps onto the mound in search of redemption—and perhaps, history.