Taipei: Tseng Hao-jiu has been officially named the manager of Taiwan's national team for the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC). This announcement marks a significant milestone in Tseng's career as he prepares to lead the team on the international stage. According to Focus Taiwan, Tseng expressed his gratitude to the selection committee of Taiwan's Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) for appointing him to this prestigious role. His previous success in November 2024, where he led a modest roster to victory in the WBSC Premier12, securing Taiwan's first-ever world championship in a major senior-level tournament, has set high expectations for his leadership in the upcoming WBC. Currently, Tseng will continue to focus on his responsibilities with the Rakuten Monkeys in the CPBL, while also dedicating his spare time to observing and coordinating the national team's affairs. He highlighted the importance of evaluating players' fitness and performance levels before the training begins in January 2026. The 2026 WBC, scheduled for early March, will see Taiwan competing in Pool C alongside reigning champions Japan, Australia, South Korea, and the Czech Republic. Tseng acknowledged rumors that Japan and South Korea perceive Taiwan as a formidable opponent, expressing honor at such recognition and enthusiasm for the competition. He emphasized the importance of delivering a strong performance and using the challenges as an opportunity to bridge the gap with these strong opponents. The CPBL announced that official preparations for the competition would commence in early May, with the appointment of scouts who will report to Tseng on a monthly basis, ensuring thorough and strategic preparation for the event.