Venezuela beat the United States 3-2 in the World Baseball Classic final on March 17, 2026, at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida. The victory gave Venezuela its first WBC championship after three prior quarterfinal appearances in 2009, 2013 and 2017.[1]

The United States, champions in 2017 and runners-up in 2023, mounted a late comeback. Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies first baseman/outfielder representing Team USA, hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning to tie the score at 2-2.[2]

Venezuela regained the lead in the top of the ninth on Eugenio Suarez's double to left-center field, scoring the go-ahead run. Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Suarez has been a key contributor for Venezuela in prior WBCs.[2]

Daniel Palencia, Milwaukee Brewers pitcher, closed out the game for Venezuela with a strikeout of Boston Red Sox prospect Roman Anthony. Maikel Garcia of the Kansas City Royals was named tournament MVP.

Omar López managed Venezuela to the title. Catcher Salvador Perez, also of the Royals and a veteran of multiple WBCs, celebrated the historic win with teammates on the field.[2]

The World Baseball Classic, organized by Major League Baseball and the World Baseball Softball Confederation, featured 20 national teams in 2026. The final took place at loanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins.[3]

Sources

1. MLB.com
   World Baseball Classic history
   Accessed October 2024
   https://www.mlb.com/world-baseball-classic/history
2. MLB.com Player profiles (Salvador Perez, Eugenio Suarez, Bryce Harper)
   Various (e.g., /player/salvador-perez-521692)
   Accessed October 2024
   https://www.mlb.com/players
3. MLB.com
   World Baseball Classic 2026 dates, locations announced
   May 9, 2024
   https://www.mlb.com/news/world-baseball-classic-2026-dates-locations-announced