USA, Venezuela to clash for World Baseball Classic title in Miami

The 2026 World Baseball Classic will come to an end tonight with a highly anticipated matchup between Venezuela and USA. The championship game will be played in Miami, with first pitch scheduled for 8:00 p.m. local time (00:00 GMT on 18 March).

Venezuela reached the semifinals in 2009 and again in 2017, showcasing its potential, but has yet to advance to a championship game prior to this edition. USA, meanwhile, has reached the last two finals, winning the title in 2017 against Puerto Rico and finishing runner-up to Japan in 2023.

Both teams arrive in the 2026 World Baseball Classic Final through two very different, but equally compelling, paths in the single-elimination bracket.

Entering the knockout stage as the Group D runner-up, Venezuela immediately faced a major test against Group C winner Japan in the quarterfinals. In one of the tournament’s most notable results, Venezuela edged Japan 8–5, eliminating a traditionally dominant contender. That victory set up a semifinal clash with Italy, the Group B winner that had just knocked out Puerto Rico. Venezuela continued its strong form, securing a 4–2 win to book its place in the final. Back-to-back victories over group winners underline the strength of their campaign and suggest a team peaking at the right moment.

USA, meanwhile, has taken a slightly steadier route, built on control and timely execution. As the Group B runner-up, they opened the quarterfinals with a 5–3 win over Group A winner Canada, overcoming a disciplined opponent to advance. In the semifinals, they faced the Dominican Republic, which had dominated its quarterfinal matchup against Korea. The U.S. managed that challenge effectively, claiming a 2–1 victory in a tightly contested game. Their path has been characterized by close wins against high-quality teams, highlighting their balance and composure under pressure.

• Day 1 recap
• Day 2 recap
• Day 3 recap
• Day 4 recap
• Day 5 recap
• Day 6 recap
• Day 7 recap
• Day 8 recap
• Day 9 recap
• Day 10 recap
• Day 11 recap

World Baseball Classic Day 12

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

Venezuela @ USA

The pitching matchup features an intriguing contrast between experience and recent form, as Venezuela’s Eduardo Rodríguez is set to face USA’s Nolan McLean. Both pitchers have shown vulnerability in limited outings during the tournament.

Rodríguez, a seasoned left-hander, brings a wealth of experience to the mound. In his only start of the 2026 Classic, Rodríguez allowed three runs on three hits over three innings, striking out five and issuing one walk, resulting in a 10.13 ERA.

On the other side, McLean has also showed som issues for USA. In his lone appearance, he allowed three runs on two hits across three innings, striking out four and walking two, for a 9.00 ERA.

Final Standings

3. Dominican Republic
4. Italy
5. Japan
6. Canada
7. Puerto Rico
8. Korea
9. Australia
10. Cuba
11. Mexico
12. Israel
13. Chinese Taipei
14. Colombia
15. Great Britain
16. Netherlands
17. Panama
18. Nicaragua
19. Czechia
20. Brazil

LA 2028 Qualification Process

The 2026 World Baseball Classic also forms part of the qualification pathway to LA28. Three of the six participants in the baseball tournament at the Olympic Games competed in the VI World Baseball Classic. The USA qualified as the host nation of the LA28 Games.

The Dominican Republic and Venezuela qualified as the two highest-placed teams from the Americas.

The LA 28 qualification process will resume in November 2027 with the WBSC Premier12, which will qualify the top finisher among the Asian Teams and the top finisher among the teams from Europe and Ocenia.

A six-team final qualifier, including two teams from Asia, two teams from Europe, one from Oceania and one from Africa, will award the last spot in early 2028.

Cover Photo: WBCI/MLB Photos by Getty Images