Venezuela won its first-ever World Baseball Classic title by defeating the United States 3-2 in the finals.
In a historic victory, Venezuela clinched its first World Baseball Classic (WBC) title by overcoming the United States 3-2 in the finals held at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, on March 18, 2026. This match was particularly notable as Venezuela had previously defeated the defending champions Japan in the quarterfinals, showcasing their remarkable journey through the tournament, culminating in an extraordinary win against the 2017 champions. The finale was branded as the 'Maduro Derby' due to the political backdrop where U.S. military operations previously led to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, adding layers of significance to the sporting event.
