JAPAN confirmed their place as the current dominant force in international baseball, winning the 2023 World Baseball Classic final against the United States in Miami on Tuesday night.
The final was a fitting end to the tournament which had proved extremely popular around the world, drawing TV viewers in their millions and creating some memorable sporting stories.
It also witnessed a historic semifinal clash between the United States and Cuba in Miami, during which there were anti-Cuba protests while members of the Cuban party were targets of hostility.
Joao Pedro’s emotional goals against Fluminense captured the magic of an international club competition. But even as fans bring colour and passion, the Club World Cup’s deeper issues loom large, writes JAMES NALTON
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JAMES NALTON discusses the use of dynamic ticket pricing at the 2026 World Cup and how it amplifies a culture already set up to squeeze as much money from fans as possible



