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USA vs. Venezuela: A World Baseball Classic Final for the Ages

The stage is set for a captivating clash in Miami as Team USA aims for its second World Baseball Classic championship, facing a determined Venezuelan squad making its first-ever appearance in the final. The game, scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 17, and broadcast on Fox, promises a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.

Road to the Championship: A Tale of Two Teams

The United States navigated a challenging path to the final, overcoming a strong Dominican Republic team in a semifinal thriller. Prior to that, they dispatched Canada in the quarterfinals. This marks the third consecutive championship game appearance for Team USA, having previously triumphed in 2017 and fallen to Japan in the 2023 final.

Venezuela’s Historic Run

Venezuela’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. They stunned defending champions Japan, led by Shohei Ohtani, in the quarterfinals, and continued their momentum by ending Italy’s surprising run in the semifinals. Here’s uncharted territory for Venezuela, representing their first-ever opportunity to claim the World Baseball Classic title.

Key Matchups and What to Expect

Venezuela enters the final as a team brimming with confidence, fueled by a roster packed with MLB stars. Their success hinges on continuing the clutch hitting that propelled them through the tournament. The United States will rely on their depth and experience, aiming to execute their game plan and capitalize on opportunities.

World Baseball Classic History: A Growing Legacy

The World Baseball Classic, established in 2006, has quickly become a premier international baseball event. Past champions include Japan (2006, 2009), Dominican Republic (2013), United States (2017), and Japan (2023). Each tournament has delivered iconic moments and showcased the global passion for the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the WBC final being played?

loanDepot Park in Miami.

What time does the game start?

8 p.m. ET.

How can I watch the game?

The game will be broadcast on Fox and streamed on FoxSports.com and Fubo.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Venezuela’s bullpen. Their ability to shut down opposing offenses late in games has been crucial to their success.

Don’t miss the action as Team USA and Venezuela battle for baseball supremacy!

Playball!

Get ready baseball fans as many of the top MLB players, including 16 major and minor leaguers from the Philadelphia Phillies, will compete in the World Baseball Classic starting this week.

The United States will look to avenge its loss to Japan in the 2023 finals. The US team, along with Japan, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela are favorites to win the international tournament.

This year’s competition has an added twist, with the top two finishers automatically qualified for the 2028 Olympics.

When and Where to Catch the Action

The 2026 World Baseball Classic begins Thursday, March 5 and lasts through Tuesday, March 17. The opening game on Wednesday, March 4 features Taiwan versus Australia in Tokyo at 10 p.m. ET. Fans in the United States can tune in to FOX, FS1, FS2, the FOX Sports App, FOX One and Tubi to follow all the games.

Format and Pool Play

The tournament format involves a pool play round-robin, where each of the five teams in each pool will compete. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the quarterfinals, followed by a knockout round culminating in the WBC final on March 17 in Miami.

Pool Breakdown

Pool A: Canada, Colombia, Cuba, Panama, Puerto Rico
Pool B: Brazil, Great Britain, Italy, Mexico, USA
Pool C: Australia, Chinese Taipei, Czechia, Japan, Korea
Pool D: Dominican Republic, Israel, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Venezuela

Phillies Players to Watch

A significant contingent of Phillies players will be representing their countries in the tournament. Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber will suit up for Team USA, while Taijuan Walker and Alan Rangel will play for Mexico. Aaron Nola and Dante Nori will represent Italy, and Cristopher Sánchez and Johan Rojas will play for the Dominican Republic. Jesús Luzardo will compete for Venezuela, and Edmundo Sosa for Panama, Garrett Stubbs and Max Lazar for Israel, and Gabriel Barbosa for Brazil. Mitch Neunborn will play for Australia and Jaydenn Estanista for the Netherlands. Brad Keller is similarly on Team USA.

USA Roster Highlights

Team USA boasts a strong roster including Alex Bregman, Ernie Clement, Paul Goldschmidt, Bryce Harper, Gunnar Henderson, Brice Turang, Bobby Witt Jr., David Bednar, Matthew Boyd, Garrett Cleavinger, Clay Holmes, Griffin Jax, Brad Keller, Clayton Kershaw, Nolan McLean, Mason Miller, Joe Ryan, Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal, Gabe Speier, Michael Wacha, Logan Webb, and Garrett Whitlock.

Olympic Qualification on the Line

Adding extra stakes to the competition, the top two finishers in the 2026 World Baseball Classic will automatically qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games.

Key Dates

March 4

10 PM ET: Taiwan vs. Australia (Tokyo)

March 5

5 AM: Czechia vs. South Korea (Tokyo)
10 PM: Australia vs. Czechia (Tokyo)

March 6

5 AM: Japan vs. Taiwan (Tokyo)
11 AM: Cuba vs. Panama (San Juan)
Noon PM: Netherlands vs. Venezuela (Miami)
1 PM: Mexico vs. Great Britain (Houston)
6 PM: Puerto Rico vs. Colombia (San Juan)
7 PM: Nicaragua vs. Dominican Republic (Miami)
8 PM: USA vs. Brazil (Houston)
10 PM: Taiwan vs. Czechia (Tokyo)

FAQ

When does the World Baseball Classic start? The tournament begins on March 5, 2026.

Where is the World Baseball Classic final? The final will be held in Miami on March 17, 2026.

How many Phillies players are participating? 16 Phillies players are on WBC rosters.

What’s at stake in the 2026 WBC? The top two teams will qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games.

How to watch USA vs Venezuela baseball, WBC game time for championship