Venezuela wins first World Baseball Classic title, defeating U.S. 3-2 on Suárez RBI double
Venezuela defeated the United States 3-2 in the World Baseball Classic final on March 17, 2026, at loanDepot park in Miami Gardens, Florida, securing the country's first title in the tournament.[1][2]
Eugenio Suárez hit a game-winning RBI double in the top of the ninth inning off Garrett Whitlock, scoring Javier Sanoja from second base after Sanoja's steal.[1][3] Wilyer Abreu had earlier hit a solo home run to help build Venezuela's lead.[1] Bryce Harper hit a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth off Andrés Machado to tie the score at 2-2.[1][3]
Following the victory, Suárez credited his faith in a post-game interview with FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. "I mean, what can I say about this? It’s amazing. God is good, all the glory is for the Lord Jesus. He was with us the whole time," Suárez said. He added, "We have to glorify, put his name in front of everything. Nobody believed in Venezuela, but now we [won] the championship today. This is a celebration for all [of Venezuela]."[1]
Suárez, a 34-year-old third baseman from Zulia, Venezuela, currently playing for the Detroit Tigers in Major League Baseball, also hit a solo home run the previous night in Venezuela's win over Italy in the semifinals on March 16, 2026, at the same venue.[1][4]
The 2026 World Baseball Classic, sanctioned by World Baseball Softball Confederation, featured its championship round from March 15-21 at loanDepot park, home stadium of MLB's Miami Marlins.[5] Venezuela entered as underdogs against a U.S. roster featuring MLB stars including Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies.[2][6]
Suárez described the team as family: "The union – we are together the whole time. We’re not just teammates, we’re all family. This team is awesome – we are family here. That’s why we play with passion, with love because we feel that on our jersey. We feel our country on the front of us."[1]
Players and coaches from Venezuela showed visible emotion during on-field celebrations after the final out.[1][3]
Sources
- Fox News Digital, "VENEZUELA SHOCKS TEAM USA TO WIN WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC FOR FIRST TIME", March 18, 2026, https://www.foxnews.com/sports
- FOX Sports, "Suarez hits game-winner, thanks God in WBC final interview with Rosenthal", March 18, 2026, https://www.foxsports.com/baseball
- MLB.com, "Venezuela claims first WBC crown with 3-2 win over U.S.", March 18, 2026, https://www.mlb.com/news
- MLB.com, "Venezuela tops Italy in WBC semifinals behind Suárez homer", March 17, 2026, https://www.mlb.com/news
- World Baseball Softball Confederation, "WBSC announces 2026 World Baseball Classic dates and venues", May 9, 2024, https://www.wbsc.org/en/news/wbc2026-dates-and-venues-announced
