Venezuela beats U.S. for first World Baseball Classic title

MIAMI – Throughout much of the World Baseball Classic, Team Venezuela shied away from talking about politics. Yet, it’s impossible to ignore turmoil back at home while Venezuelans deal with the aftermath of the United States military’s raid that captured former President Nicolas Maduro and led to his arrest and imprisonment in the U.S. in January.

For one glorious Tuesday night at loanDepot park, however, Maikel Garcia and Team Venezuela gave their country a reason to celebrate with a 3-2 victory over Team USA in the WBC Final.    

“You know, the United States, they have the best players in the world,” Garcia said after he was named the 2026 WBC MVP. “They have a great team, great pitching staff, and we have the confidence that we can beat them.

“We just went out there tonight with the confidence that we can beat them. They played great baseball. God just gave it to us because our country needs this.”

The win before a raucous pro-Venezuela crowd of 36,490 marked the end of arguably the most successful WBC of all time. There’s no denying the extra sense of significance of Venezuela being crowned champions. 

Pro-Venezuela crowd

The WBC title comes less than 90 days from the end of the Maduro regime. Venezuela remains in flux as it relates to political leadership. Despite losing to the Dominican Republic in pool play, Venezuela charged to its first appearance in a WBC Final with victories over defending champion Japan in the quarterfinals and then Italy in the semifinal. 

“Super happy,” said veteran catcher Salvador Perez, Team Venezuela’s captain. “30 million (Venezuelan) people around the world were watching this game today. I’m very happy. 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.”

Neither finalist won their pool play bracket after suffering disappointing losses last week. The U.S. suffered a stunning loss to Italy. Venezuela lost to the Dominican Republic.

Raucous atmosphere

The atmosphere was worthy of an international championship. Thousands of fans were in the stadium hours before the first pitch. The increased security and increased media presence was palpable. 

While the energy felt different, Team Venezuela’s preparation was much the same. Perez and Co. remained lighthearted while warming up. The camaraderie was evident as they stretched as a team, cracked jokes, danced and engaged fans.

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Despite being on U.S. soil, the Venezuelans clearly had the homefield advantage. They played to a backdrop of Venezuelan flags and fans wearing Venezuela’s national colors of red, yellow and blue. 

Chants of “USA! USA!” were immediately countered with louder chants of “Venezuela! Venezuela!” While a baseball game happened on the field, a party of sorts was happening in the stadium. A small band made laps around the stadium while pounding a Tambor (drum) and leading chants that could be heard throughout the park.

Bryce Harper gave U.S. hope

Ronald Acuña Jr. swung at the first pitch for a single, but hits were more difficult to come from that point. Venezuela took a 1-0 lead when Perez scored in the third inning on Garcia’s sacrifice fly to center. 

Wilyer Abreu added a solo home run in the fifth inning to give Venezuela a 2-0 lead. Led by left-handed starter Eduardo Rodriguez’s 4 ⅓ scoreless innings with four strikeouts and one hit allowed, Venezuela’s pitchers recorded 10 strikeouts.

The final out of the 2026 World Baseball Classic sparks a celebration as Venezuelans rejoice in Alfredo Sadel Square. 🇻🇪💙💛🥹
🎥:@darwingonzalezp pic.twitter.com/HwqWBilev8

— Our Esquina (@OurEsquina) March 18, 2026

Venezuelan fans rose to their feet and chant “Ponche! Ponche!” each time a Team USA hitter had two strikes against them. USA fans were relatively quiet until Bryce Harper hit a two-run home run to tie the game in the bottom of the eighth inning. Suddenly Team USA fans came to life. 

Fans remained on their feet the rest of the game. Luis Arraez, a three-time batting champion, led off the top of the ninth with a walk. He was replaced by pinch-runner Javier Sanoja, who stole second. 

Eugenio Suarez delivers winning blow

Eugenio Suarez followed with an RBI double, setting off a collective and prolonged roar from the Venezuelan fans. Closer Daniel Palencia then handled the bottom of the ninth for his second save in as many nights.

“The relationships that you make with players who are not on your team and you see the brotherhood in this national team, this is beautiful,” Suarez said. “What we have done on the field is proof of that. That’s why we are united with one single heart, with one single prayer.”

The magnitude of this win for Venezuela cannot be understated. Players and coaches were moved to tears following the game. Many wanted nothing more than to embrace their families in this time of joy.

“This is something that we live with on a daily basis because we are dedicated,” Team Venezuela manager Omar Lopez said. “Not us, but our families. They are the people who are really dedicated, away from home. We miss dinners or celebrations because we have meetings.

“They are our heroes. They are the most important part of this. And it’s important to honor them because this victory belongs to them because of the unconditional support that they give us and always with positive vibes.”