Trending Now - Venezuela Upsets USA 3-2 in World Baseball Classic Match

WHO:

Team Venezuela, Team USA, President Trump, Mark DeRosa (manager of Team USA), Aaron Judge (captain of Team USA), Salvador Perez (captain of Team Venezuela), Maikel Garcia (tournament MVP), Nolan McLean (Mets rookie RHP), Eduard Bazardo (pitcher for Team Venezuela), Eugenio Suárez (player for Team Venezuela), Ronald Acuña Jr. (player for Team Venezuela), Cal Raleigh (player for Team USA), Paul Wall (threw out the first pitch), Griffin Jax (RHP for Team USA), Paul Skenes (RHP for Team USA), Omar López (manager of Team Venezuela), Johan Santana (pitching coach for Team Venezuela), Robinson Chirinos (bench coach for Team Venezuela).

WHAT:

Venezuela defeated the USA 3-2 in the World Baseball Classic final on March 17, 2026.

This victory marked Venezuela's first championship in an international sporting competition since 1945.

Team USA received their second consecutive silver medal in the World Baseball Classic.

Bryce Harper hit a home run to tie the game 2-2 in the bottom of the 8th inning.

Only one American player, besides Bryce Harper, recorded a hit during the championship game.

WHERE:

The championship game took place at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida.

WHEN:

The championship game occurred on March 17, 2026.

The semifinal victory for Venezuela was completed by 3 AM on March 17, 2026.

WHY:

Team Venezuela aimed to bring joy, pride, happiness, and hope to their countrymen through their performance.

Team USA's approach was characterized by a militaristic mentality, as indicated by their T-shirts reading “FRONT TOWARD ENEMY.”

HOW:

Team Venezuela's coaching staff worked until 3 AM to prepare a game plan against Team USA.

Salvador Perez played a crucial role in guiding pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez to a scoreless 4.1 innings of work.

Team USA's manager, Mark DeRosa, faced criticism for his decisions, including the choice to start Will Smith as catcher.

(UPDATED March 19, 2026 05:27 UTC)

In a thrilling World Baseball Classic final held at loanDepot Park in Miami, Venezuela triumphed over the USA with a score of 3 to 2 on March 17, marking their first championship in an international sporting event since 1945. Bryce Harper tied the game with a home run in the bottom of the eighth inning, but only one other American player managed to record a hit during the match, leading Team USA to their second consecutive silver medal. The Venezuelan coaching staff worked tirelessly until early that morning to prepare their game plan, and Salvador Perez played a key role in guiding pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez to a scoreless 4.1 innings of work.