Venezuela defeated the United States 3-2 in the World Baseball Classic championship game on March 17, 2026, at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, securing the country's first title in the tournament's history.[1]

Prior to this victory, the World Baseball Classic, organized by Major League Baseball and the World Baseball Softball Confederation every four years since 2006, had been won by Japan (2006, 2009, 2023), the Dominican Republic (2013) and the United States (2017).[2][3]

Venezuela advanced to the final after a semifinal win over Italy on March 16, 2026. The tournament's second round and knockout stages were held at loanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins.[1][4]

Eduardo Rodriguez, a left-handed starter for the Arizona Diamondbacks, pitched 4.1 innings for Venezuela, allowing one hit and striking out four, including United States captain Aaron Judge.[5] Venezuela manager Omar Lopez removed him after 57 pitches.

Wilyer Abreu, outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, hit a solo home run in the top of the fifth inning off United States starter Nolan McLean, extending Venezuela's lead to 2-0.[5] Maikel Garcia had driven in the first run with a sacrifice fly in the third.

Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth off Andres Machado, tying the score at 2-2. Eugenio Suarez then delivered an RBI double in the top of the ninth off Garrett Whitlock, scoring pinch-runner Javier Sanoja for a 3-2 lead.[5]

Daniel Palencia pitched the bottom of the ninth for the save, striking out Kyle Schwarber and Roman Anthony while Gunnar Henderson flied out.

Sources

1. MLB.com
   World Baseball Classic 2026 dates announced
   March 13, 2024
   https://www.mlb.com/news/world-baseball-classic-2026-dates-announced-c278425702
2. MLB.com
   World Baseball Classic history
   Accessed October 2024
   https://www.mlb.com/wbc/history
3. Wikipedia
   World Baseball Classic
   Accessed October 2024
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Baseball_Classic
4. Wikipedia
   LoanDepot park
   Accessed October 2024
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LoanDepot_park
5. MLB.com
   Wilyer Abreu player page (representative for player backgrounds)
   Accessed October 2024
   https://www.mlb.com/player/wilyer-abreu-671737