MIAMI, FL — Venezuela completed one of the most remarkable runs in World Baseball Classic history, defeating the United States 3–2 on Tuesday night at loanDepot Park to capture the 2026 WBC Championship in front of a deafening crowd of 36,190.
Powered by dominant pitching, timely hitting and relentless energy, Venezuela held the star-studded American lineup in check for most of the night before surviving a dramatic late push to secure its first WBC title.
Venezuela struck first in the third inning when Salvador Pérez delivered a looping single, followed by a walk to Ronald Acuña Jr. and a wild pitch that moved both runners into scoring position.
Maikel García then lifted a sacrifice fly to give Venezuela a 1–0 lead.
Maikel García, named the 2026 World Baseball Classic MVP, drove in the first run for Venezuela in the 2026 WBC Championship game vs. USA – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
From there, left-hander Eduardo Rodríguez took control.
The 32-year-old allowed just one hit over 4 1/3 scoreless innings while striking out four, setting the tone for a Venezuelan pitching staff that would frustrate the United States all night.
Eduardo Rodríguez was tough as nails when his country needed him the most Tuesday night in the 2026 World Baseball Classic Championship game vs. USA – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
Through seven innings, the Americans managed just two hits against a deep and disciplined pitching approach.
Wilyer Abreu extended the lead with a solo home run to center field, putting Venezuela ahead 2–0 and further silencing much of the American offense.
Despite the struggles, the United States mounted a late rally.
With two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning, Bryce Harper delivered a clutch two-run home run to tie the game at 2–2, igniting the crowd and shifting momentum dramatically.
Bryce Harper’s clutch two-run home run for Team USA in the eighth inning of the 2026 World Baseball Classic Championship tied the game at two apiece – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
But Venezuela responded immediately.
In the top of the ninth, Eugenio Suárez lined a go-ahead RBI double, scoring the eventual winning run and restoring Venezuela’s lead.
With his country on his back in the ninth inning of the 2026 World Baseball Classic Championship, Eugenio Suárez delivered one of the most important hits in the history of Venezuelan baseball – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
The bullpen held firm in the bottom half, sealing the victory with a strikeout of Roman Anthony as players poured onto the field in celebration.
At that very moment, those in attendance could nearly feel the ballpark shake while the 29,000,000+ million living in Venezuela were heard from Miami.
Six Venezuelan pitchers combined to strike out 10 batters, showcasing a masterclass in execution against one of the most talented lineups in international baseball.
García, who drove in the first run of the game, was named tournament MVP after hitting .385 with seven RBI. “I just wanted to help my team win,” García said. “Many people doubted me, but I used that as motivation.”
Suárez, the hero of the final inning, emphasized the team’s unity. “This team is a family,” he said. “We play with passion and love because we feel our country behind us.”
Eugenio Suárez said consistently throughout this WBC that the Venezuelan crowd helped play an impact in their games at loanDepot Park, boosting the team’s confidence – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
Manager Omar López, who confirmed this would be his final WBC as skipper, praised his team’s preparation and resilience.
“This is a win for Venezuela and for all of Latin America,” López said. “Together, united, we will rebuild our country.”
Tuesday night’s win for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic Championship, beating USA, 3-2, will go down as one of the greatest accomplishments in the country’s sporting history – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
The victory caps a historic tournament for Venezuela, which defeated defending champion Japan earlier in the knockout stages and proved it belonged among baseball’s elite.
“Thirty million people around the world were watching this game today, I’m very happy,” said Venezuela team captain Salvador Pérez, a 2015 World Series champion with the Kansas City Royals, participating in his fourth career WBC (2013, 2017, 2023, 2026).
“The World Series, as you all know, is one of the most important championships in the Major Leagues, but when you fight for your country, that goes beyond. That feeling, the country where you were born and raised, the sacrifices made by our parents, those people that helped us. That’s why this means a lot to me and to Venezuela.”
Salvador Pérez, one of the most accomplished Venezuelan baseball players to ever step on the diamond, has Tuesday night’s win right up at the top of the list of his biggest career achievements – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
For the United States, the loss marks a second consecutive defeat in the WBC final—each ending with the same score at 3-2—despite a roster filled with All-Star talent.
In the end, Venezuela’s passion, execution and belief carried them to the top of the baseball world.
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