The 2026 World Baseball Classic has delivered in every which way possible. After an incredible game between reigning champions Japan and Venezuela, it was the South Americans the ones that ended with the win. Their superstar, Ronald Acuña Jr., had three words for all the doubters.
Going through the locker room greeting his teammates, Acuña screamed, “we ate Sushi!” twice. Venezuela were the underdogs against a Japan team with the likes of Shohei Ohtani. Still, they were brave and deliver incredible moments throughout the whole game.
Whether it was Acuña himself doing MVP things, or outfielder Wilyer Abreu batting a three-run homer to the upper deck of the LoanDepot Park, Venezuela were just feeling it and Japan got overwhelmed.
Venezuela’s path to the semis
Venezuela ended second in Pool D with a 3-1 record. They beat Israel, Netherlands, and Nicaragua, but lost to WBC contender Dominican Republic 7-5. That meant they had to face with Japan, the reigning champions in the quarterfinals. As we now know, Venezuela pulled the 8-5 upset.
Now, Venezuela have to face the Cinderella story of the tournament, undefeated Italy, who have won every game played so far, including Brazil, Great Britain, Mexico, United States, and Puerto Rico. Italy’s batting has been unstoppable so far, so Venezuela have a handful of problems if they want to progress through to the final.
see also
Fernando Tatis Jr. acknowledges WBC rivals’ potential, delivers encouraging message to teammates
The WBC has been incredible so far
From the rating numbers to the level of play, the 2026 World Baseball Classic has been a sight to see. Upsets, Cinderella stories, MLB’s biggest stars going to battle one another, and electric atmospheres have surrounded the whole tournament.
Now, only four remain. The United States will play the Dominican Republic in the first semis, while Italy and Venezuela will vow to be a finalist. This is must-watch baseball in the middle of March.
