A huge week of sporting action lies ahead, with the World Baseball Classic set to come to a thrilling conclusion.
Our live coverage schedule this week also includes the start of the men’s NCAA tournament — aka March Madness — the Carabao Cup final and Champions League matches, and plenty more.
With each piece of live content featuring the latest news, play-by-play, reactions, and analysis, you won’t want to miss a moment of our extensive coverage.
Feel free to share your views, predictions and more in the comments below. Your responses could be featured in our coverage throughout the week, so stay tuned and get involved.
You can also get in contact with the team by emailing live@theathletic.com. So without further ado, here is the full live schedule for the week of March 16-22.
Monday
World Baseball Classic semifinal — Venezuela vs Italy
The World Baseball Classic continues with the second semifinal and a place in the championship game on the line.
After taking down heavyweights Japan in the quarterfinal, Venezuela take on espresso shot kings Italy. First pitch is set for 8 p.m. ET.
Tuesday
Champions League round of 16 second leg — Arsenal vs. Bayer Leverkusen and Manchester City vs. Real Madrid
Both Premier League sides, Arsenal and Manchester City, have work to do if they are to advance from their respective last-16 knockout matches. Coverage of both matches will run separately as we take one step closer to the quarterfinals.
World Baseball Classic championship game
Everything is on the line in the deciding match in the Classic. Who will be crowned baseball’s world champions?
March Madness men’s NCAA Tournament — First Four
A highlight of the basketball calendar arrives with March Madness, as the First Four get underway.
Alijah Martin of the Florida Gators celebrates with the trophy after defeating the Houston Cougars in the 2025 National Championship Game in San Antonio, TX. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Wednesday
Champions League — Barcelona vs. Newcastle United and Liverpool vs. Galatasaray
The last-16 fixtures conclude as soccer’s European heavyweights go head-to-head with another batch of matches hanging in the balance. Coverage of both Barcelona vs. Newcastle United and Liverpool vs. Galatasaray will run live, separately.
March Madness men’s NCAA Tournament — First Four
The field will be whittled down to 64 teams as we complete the First Four games.
Thursday
March Madness men’s NCAA Tournament — First Round
The madness truly begins with 16 games across the entire day. Our coverage will bring all the key headlines and all the dramatic moments.
Friday
March Madness men’s NCAA Tournament — First Round
The first round at March Madness concludes — join us for news, analysis and play-by-play updates.
Premier League — Bournemouth vs. Manchester United
Manchester United look to continue their impressive turnaround in form under interim manager Michael Carrick as they face tricky opponents in Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth.
Saturday
March Madness men’s NCAA Tournament — Second Round
Second-round action begins at NCAA men’s basketball’s showpiece tournament. Join us for all the action and live updates.
Pep Guardiola leads Manchester City in the Carabao Cup Final against Arsenal as he goes in search of a fifth such trophy. (Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Sunday
Carabao Cup final — Arsenal vs. Manchester City
One team’s quadruple dreams must end today as Arsenal and Manchester City go head-to-head for the first piece of major silverware of the 2025-26 season.
March Madness men’s NCAA Tournament — Second Round
March Madness continues with eight more games and we will bring you all the action from the world of men’s college basketball.
