Venezuela defeated the United States 3-2 in the World Baseball Classic championship game on March 17, 2026, at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, claiming the country's first title in the tournament's history.[1][2]
Prior to Venezuela's victory, the World Baseball Classic had been won by Japan in 2006, 2009 and 2023; the Dominican Republic in 2013; and the United States in 2017.[3]
Venezuela advanced to the final after a semifinal win over Italy on March 16. The tournament final was hosted at loanDepot Park, home of Major League Baseball's Miami Marlins.[1][2][4]
Eduardo Rodriguez, a Venezuelan left-handed pitcher who has played for the Arizona Diamondbacks over the past two MLB seasons, started on the mound for Venezuela.[5] Wilyer Abreu, Boston Red Sox outfielder born in Cuba, hit a solo home run in the fifth inning. Eugenio Suárez, Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman, delivered an RBI double in the ninth.[6][7]
Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies first baseman and designated hitter, hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth for the United States, tying the score at 2-2. Daniel Palencia earned the save in the ninth.[1]
The 2026 World Baseball Classic ran from March 6 to March 17, featuring 20 national teams in a format with four pool stages followed by a super round, semifinals and final in Miami.[1][2]
Sources
- Major League Baseball. "World Baseball Classic". Accessed October 2024. https://www.mlb.com/world-baseball-classic
- Wikipedia. "2026 World Baseball Classic". Accessed October 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_World_Baseball_Classic
- Wikipedia. "World Baseball Classic". Accessed October 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Baseball_Classic
- Wikipedia. "LoanDepot park". Accessed October 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LoanDepot_park
- Major League Baseball. "Eduardo Rodriguez Player Page". Accessed October 2024. https://www.mlb.com/player/eduardo-rodriguez-608566
- Major League Baseball. "Wilyer Abreu Player Page". Accessed October 2024. https://www.mlb.com/player/wilyer-abreu-671737
- Major League Baseball. "Eugenio Suárez Player Page". Accessed October 2024. https://www.mlb.com/player/eugenio-suarez-570256