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.

Prior to this final, 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.[1][2] Venezuela reached the final after a semifinal win over Italy on March 16.

Eduardo Rodriguez, a left-handed starter for the Arizona Diamondbacks, pitched 4.1 innings for Venezuela, allowing one hit to Brice Turang and recording four strikeouts, including two against U.S. captain Aaron Judge.[3] He exited after 57 pitches to a standing ovation.

Venezuela took a 1-0 lead in the third inning on a sacrifice fly by Maikel Garcia. Boston Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu extended the lead to 2-0 with a solo home run in the fifth inning off U.S. starter Nolan McLean.[4]

The United States managed only two hits through eight innings. Bryce Harper hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth off Andres Machado, tying the score at 2-2.

In the top of the ninth, Garrett Whitlock walked the leadoff batter for the U.S. Pinch-runner Javier Sanoja stole second, and Eugenio Suarez hit an RBI double to give Venezuela a 3-2 lead.

Daniel Palencia closed the game in the bottom of the ninth, striking out Kyle Schwarber and Roman Anthony while Gunnar Henderson popped out, sealing the victory for Venezuela.

loanDepot park, home of the Miami Marlins in Major League Baseball, also hosted the 2023 World Baseball Classic final.[5]

Sources

1. MLB.com, "World Baseball Classic winners: Japan, Dominican Republic, USA", March 22, 2023, https://www.mlb.com/news/world-baseball-classic-champions-c288446006
2. Wikipedia, "World Baseball Classic", accessed October 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Baseball_Classic
3. MLB.com, "Eduardo Rodriguez Player Page", ongoing, https://www.mlb.com/player/eduardo-rodriguez-608566
4. MLB.com, "Wilyer Abreu Player Page", ongoing, https://www.mlb.com/player/wilyer-abreu-666742
5. Wikipedia, "loanDepot park", accessed October 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LoanDepot_park