The British Baseball Federation and Olympic Head Coach Bradley Marcelino have today announced that Washington Nationals catcher Harry Ford intends to play for Great Britain at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Great Britain will play in Houston starting on 6 March 2026 in Pool B along with the US, Italy, Brazil and Mexico.
“This is an exciting time for Great Britain Baseball, the World Baseball Classic, and the game around the world,” said Bradley Marcelino. “I’m proud to have Harry as the first player announced for our roster — he brings the energy and competitiveness that defines this team. We’ve put together a first-class staff and a group that’s hungry to compete. There’s a real sense of pride and purpose with this team.”
Ford made his Major League debut in September 2025, batting 1-for-6 and tallying his first MLB hit across eight games, and helped Seattle to their first AL West title since 2001. Ford was also part of the Mariners’ 2025 playoff roster, notching a single in his lone postseason at-bat. Still one of baseball’s top prospects, Ford appeared in 454 minor league games before his call-up, with 450 hits and 52 home runs across all levels. The Washington Nationals acquired Ford from the Seattle Mariners in December 2025.
Ford first represented Great Britain at the 2022 World Baseball Classic Qualifier in Regensburg, Germany, which saw GBR win all three of their games to qualify for the World Baseball Classic, and starred at the 2023 Classic, hitting two home runs across GBR’s four games. Ford also competed for Great Britain at the 2023 European Baseball Championships, leading the tournament with 12 runs batted in and adding three home runs to help lead GBR to their second-ever European Silver Medal.
“I’m very proud to be representing Great Britain in this World Baseball Classic,” said Ford. “I’m thankful to be able to further this game in a place where it has a great chance to grow. I hope to give the kids in Great Britain a reason to dream and help provide a way to turn their dreams into a reality.”
The full Great Britain Baseball roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic will be announced at a later date.
The World Baseball Classic is sanctioned by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) as the sport’s official National Team World Championship. This is Great Britain’s second appearance at the World Baseball Classic, following their debut at the 2023 edition. For more information, please visit mlb.com/world-baseball-classic.
For the latest news and notes from GB Baseball at the World Baseball Classic, make sure to follow Great Britain Baseball on Facebook, gb_baseball on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, TikTok at @gbbaseball, and on the British Baseball Federation website, britishbaseball.org.uk.
– #LetsGoGB –