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

Venezuela captured its first World Baseball Classic (WBC) 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 win marked Venezuela's first championship in the tournament's history, held every four years since 2006.[1]

Venezuela advanced to the final after defeating Italy in the semifinals on March 16. The team relied on strong pitching and clutch hitting to hold off a late U.S. rally. Starter Eduardo Rodriguez, a 32-year-old left-hander for the Arizona Diamondbacks, pitched 4.1 innings, allowing one hit to Milwaukee Brewers infielder Brice Turang and striking out four, including U.S. captain Aaron Judge twice.[2]

Maikel Garcia, Kansas City Royals infielder, drove in the first run with a sacrifice fly in the third inning off U.S. starter Nolan McLean. Boston Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu extended the lead to 2-0 with a solo home run in the fifth inning.[3]

Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies first baseman, hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth to tie the score at 2-2. Venezuela reclaimed the lead in the top of the ninth when Eugenio Suárez, Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman, doubled in pinch-runner Javier Sanoja after a walk and stolen base.[2][3]

Daniel Palencia, Chicago Cubs reliever, closed out the game in the bottom of the ninth, striking out Kyle Schwarber and Roman Anthony while inducing a pop-up from Gunnar Henderson to secure the save.

3rd inning: Garcia sacrifice fly scores first run (1-0 Venezuela)
5th inning: Abreu solo home run (2-0 Venezuela)
8th inning: Harper two-run home run (2-2 tie)
9th inning: Suárez RBI double (3-2 Venezuela)

Previously, WBC champions have been Japan (2006, 2009, 2023), the Dominican Republic (2013) and the United States (2017). loanDepot park previously hosted the 2023 WBC final, won by Japan over the United States 3-2.[1][4]

Venezuela's manager was Omar López, who guided the team through the tournament.