USA vs. Venezuela: Live updates from World Baseball Classic final
theScore provides analysis and insights for the championship game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic between the United States and Venezuela. Refresh the page for updates.
loanDepot Park is loud
This certainly isn't a Marlins game. The atmosphere at loanDepot Park has been incredible for the entire World Baseball Classic, and if the pregame introductions and anthems are any indication, it should be another raucous crowd tonight. It seems like the Venezuelan fans might be outnumbering the American fans.
Aaron Judge and Luis Arraez lead their teams out onto the field! pic.twitter.com/hLrAvym80r
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 18, 2026
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How to watch 📺
🇺🇸: FOX
🇨🇦: Sportsnet
🏟️: loanDepot Park, Miami
Lineups
Nolan McLean: The New York Mets' rookie right-hander's only start in the tournament came in a loss to Italy. He allowed three runs on two hits and two walks while striking out four. McLean also surrendered solo homers to left-handed hitters Kyle Teel and Sam Antonacci over 55 pitches. U.S. manager Mark DeRosa said that star closer Mason Miller is available if needed.
Eduardo Rodriguez: The 32-year-old veteran left-hander struggled in his only start of the tournament, though it came against the offensive juggernaut Dominican Republic. Rodriguez allowed three runs over 2 2/3 innings, all of which came off homers from Juan Soto and Ketel Marte. However, E-Rod, who has 235 MLB starts under his belt, struck out five in the 53-pitch outing. Manager Omar López said Monday that he expects to have every reliever available, though that might not be the case.
Venezuela manager Omar Lopez said he got text messages from three organizations this morning asking him not to use pitchers he used last night.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) March 17, 2026
United States look golden 🥇
The Americans arrived at loanDepot Park decked out in Team USA hockey jerseys. The squad was gifted game-used apparel from the men's Olympic gold medal-winning team.
Team USA has arrived to the World Baseball Classic Final in GAME-USED United States Men's National Hockey Team jerseys. pic.twitter.com/EBwF0GeqbR
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 17, 2026
How we got here
The United States and Venezuela meet in the WBC final for the first time. The United States won the tournament in 2017, while Venezuela's best finish was third in 2009. The U.S. lost 3-2 to Japan in the 2023 final after eliminating the Venezuelans 9-7 in the quarters.
Both countries finished second in their respective pools this tournament and enter the final with identical 5-1 records.
The United States is coming in off an off-day Monday, while Venezuela played Monday night against Italy.
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