Venezuela defeats United States 3-2 to claim first World Baseball Classic title

Venezuela won its first World Baseball Classic title with a 3-2 victory over the United States in the championship game on March 17, 2026, at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida. The tournament final capped the sixth edition of the event, held every four years since 2006 and sanctioned by Major League Baseball and the World Baseball Softball Confederation.[1][2]

The United States, seeking its second WBC crown after winning in 2017, reached its second straight final following a 3-2 loss to Japan in 2023 at the same venue.[2][3] Managed by Mark DeRosa, Team USA stranded opportunities against Venezuela starter Eduardo Rodriguez, a left-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks whose previous two MLB seasons yielded a 5.02 ERA.[4]

Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies first baseman and infielder, tied the score at 2-2 with a two-out, two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning. Venezuela reclaimed the lead in the top of the ninth against Garrett Whitlock of the Boston Red Sox, as pinch-runner Javier Sanoja stole second and Eugenio Suarez, Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman, hit a go-ahead double. Daniel Palencia of the Chicago Cubs closed out the bottom of the ninth with two strikeouts and a pop-up.[4]

After MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred presented silver medals to the U.S. squad, several players quickly removed them. Oakland Athletics reliever Mason Miller shed his before embracing manager DeRosa. Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber, who played on the 2023 runner-up team, took his off near the dugout steps. San Francisco Giants starter Logan Webb and Whitlock were seen holding theirs rather than wearing them.[4]

loanDepot park, home of the Miami Marlins, hosted Pool C, the semifinals and final for the 2026 WBC, which ran March 5-19.[1] Venezuela's triumph marked its best performance in tournament history, surpassing quarterfinal appearances in 2017 and 2023.[2]