Venezuela won its first World Baseball Classic title, beating the United States 3-2 in the championship game at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, on March 17, 2026. The victory came a day after Venezuela's semifinal win over Italy.

The tournament, organized by Major League Baseball and the World Baseball Softball Confederation, concluded its 2026 edition at loanDepot park, home of the Miami Marlins.[1][2] Previous WBC champions are Japan (2006, 2009, 2023) and the Dominican Republic (2013, 2017).[2][3]

Eduardo Rodriguez, a 32-year-old left-handed pitcher who posted a 5.06 ERA over 16 starts for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2024, started for Venezuela and pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing one hit while striking out four.[4][5] Venezuela manager Omar Lopez removed him after 57 pitches.

Venezuela took a 2-0 lead in the top of the fifth inning on a sacrifice fly by Maikel Garcia in the third and a solo home run by Boston Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu in the fifth. Abreu, who represented Venezuela in the 2023 WBC, hit a fastball over the center-field wall.[6]

The United States tied the score in the bottom of the eighth on a two-run home run by Bryce Harper with two outs following a walk to Bobby Witt Jr. Harper, a first baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies, celebrated the homer by saluting at third base.

Venezuela regained the lead in the top of the ninth when pinch-runner Javier Sanoja stole second after a leadoff walk, and Eugenio Suarez -- Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman and 2023 WBC participant for Venezuela -- hit an RBI double off Garrett Whitlock.[7]

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

Sources

1. MLB.com
   World Baseball Classic 2026 to feature 20 teams March 5-19
   September 19, 2024
   https://www.mlb.com/news/world-baseball-classic-2026-to-feature