Venezuela has been crowned the champion of the World Baseball Classic for the first time, defeating a star-studded Team USA 3-2 in a dramatic final game played on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Miami’s loanDepot Park.

Venezuela (6-1) reached the championship final after defeating Italy 4-2. The United States (5-2) had previously defeated the Dominican Republic 2-1 to advance to the final.

A Game of Late-Inning Drama

The game was tightly contested, with Venezuela ultimately prevailing thanks to a ninth-inning RBI double by Eugenio Suárez. This came after Bryce Harper had tied the game for the United States with a two-run blast in the eighth inning.

“They brought together All-Stars and MVPs and future Hall of Famers…Yet, Tuesday night, in a 3-2 defeat to Venezuela, their talent, their trophies and their team unity were not enough.”

The New York Times

USA’s Semifinal History Repeated

Team USA was attempting to break a pattern in the World Baseball Classic. In previous editions, teams that won their semifinal game had ultimately lost in the final. This history repeated itself on Tuesday night.

Key Moments

• Venezuela defeated Italy 4-2 in the semifinals.
• The United States defeated the Dominican Republic 2-1 in the semifinals.
• Bryce Harper tied the game in the eighth inning with a two-run home run.
• Eugenio Suárez’s ninth-inning double proved to be the game-winning hit.

Celebrations Erupt in Venezuela

Thousands of Venezuelans gathered in public plazas in Caracas to celebrate the historic victory, waving flags and dancing in the streets.