Speaking to Jeff Passan of ESPN, Juan Soto said “we showed the world who’s the best team in baseball.” Now, by losing the game 1-2 to Team USA, some might say Soto is a sore loser. And that might be the case, but the fact is he also may have a point.

The Dominican Republic were a juggernaut throughout the tournament, and USA didn’t look as dominant. Sunday’s game was a thriller with plenty of great highlights, that ultimately ended with the stars and stripes getting the win in controversial fashion.

There’s reason for Dominican Republic to be sour

The game ended with a blown call that might go down as one of the worst in the WBC history. The Dominican Republic had the tying run at third. After seven pitches against Geraldo Perdomo, Miller opted for a slider that went far below the bottom of the strike zone. In fact, Perdomo was already about to walk to first. Then, Cory Blaser, the home umpire said it was a strike and it was game over.

Should he have a right call, the DR would’ve had the tying run at third, the winning run at first, and Fernando Tatis about to step up to the plate. It was a dream scenario for the Dominicans until the blown call happened.

It was not the first mistake against the Dominican Republic

Speaking to ESPN, Perdomo unleashed his wrath against the officials. It was not the first time Blaser rang up a batter on a below-the-zone slider. He did exactly the same in the eighth inning to Juan Soto. In fact, it was so egregious the replay showed the ball going below Soto’s knees.

Now, the United States will have to face the winner of Venezuela vs Italy. Venezuela have a loaded roster with Ronald Acuña Jr. as their main man. However, Italy already beat Team USA in the pool phase. Either way, it’s going to be a tough matchup.

“I knew 100% it was a ball,” Perdomo—who plays for the Arizona Diamondbacks in MLB—admitted after his national team’s elimination, via ESPN. “I knew it.”

Perdomo’s immediate reaction to the call made it evident. Perdomo was caught staring by pitcher Mason Miller, but that would’ve sit right with him and Dominican Republic. Perdomo was convinced the ball fell well below the hitting zone. Thus, when home-plate umpire Cory Blaser signaled for a third strike, Perdomo reacted in frustration.

“It was the whole tournament, but we didn’t lose the game right there,” Perdomo concluded. “That’s a part of the game, and I hope we do better next time.”

Team DR’s manager postgame statement on controversy

Aside from Blaser, Perdomo had perhaps the best seat in loanDepot park to see whether Miller’s slide was indeed a strike or a ball. Thus, his frustration is only logical. Meanwhile, Dominican Republic manager Nelson Cruz had a more calm answer when asked about the game-deciding call.

“It’s part of the game,” Cruz stated, per ESPN. “You lost by inches. We’ll have ABS in a few years, so hopefully next time we can challenge plays like that.“

2026 WBC bracket

Now, Team USA awaits in the final. The winner of the semifinal between Italy and Venezuela will be taking on the Stars and Stripes at loanDepot park. On Tuesday night, the 2026 World Baseball Classic champion will be crowned in Little Havana. The United States of America are eyeing their second WBC championship, while Venezuela and Italy vie to make history.

The Dominican Republic have had an impressive tournament with victories over Venezuela, Israel, the Netherlands, and Nicaragua. In the quarterfinals, they looked absolutely dominant, defeating Korea 10-0.

Now, the eyes of the world will be on Skenes as he faces names like Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Manny Machado. The implications are enormous for what has already been labeled as one of the sporting events of the year.

What happens if Team USA loses today against Dominican Republic?

If Team USA loses today against the Dominican Republic, the Americans will be officially eliminated from the tournament. This scenario would be a failure for the U.S. after being labeled as favorites before the start of the tournament.

What happens if Team USA beats Dominican Republic in WBC?

If Team USA beats the Dominican Republic today in the World Baseball Classic, that will secure a spot in the tournament final. Aaron Judge’s team would then have to wait for the winner of the game between Italy and Venezuela for the title game, which will be played on Tuesday.

Despite the unique challenge of going up against familiar faces, Judge is keeping his attention firmly on his national team. The Yankees star acknowledged the unusual situation while emphasizing the importance of the moment.

“As much as it’s fun seeing those guys and this and that, I’ve got USA on my chest. And I’m going to focus on those guys right now,” Judge said via SNY, highlighting his commitment to Team USA despite the personal connections on the field.

Why the USA–DR Semifinal carries major stakes

Mark DeRosa detailed his expectations for Team USA in the WBC semifinal vs. the Dominican Republic, a matchup that promises to be intense as the Americans face a talent‑packed Dominican roster — including several players Judge sees daily in the Yankees clubhouse. Balancing those relationships while staying competitive will be key as Team USA pushes for a deep run.

Judge’s impact on the USA–DR Semifinal

Judge’s leadership and performance will be crucial as Team USA works to stay disciplined against a Dominican lineup. Fans will be watching how these dynamics unfold on the international stage, adding intrigue to an already high‑pressure semifinal

“I’m not going to say World Series or World Baseball Classic, but to me it’s, it’s different,” the 5-time All Star stated when asked to choose winning the World Baseball Classic with DR or the World Series with Blue Jays.

In the words of the experienced player, a hint of emotion was evident when he spoke about representing his nation in such an important tournament. While he didn’t confirm a preference, it’s clear that the feelings of playing for your country are not the same as playing for your club.

Next Sunday, March 15, the team led by Rodney Linares will face the United States for a spot in the championship game, after defeating South Korea in the quarterfinals.

Guerrero Jr.’s impact on Team DR

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been a cornerstone of the Dominican Republic’s dominant 2026 WBC run, providing both veteran leadership and explosive power in the heart of the lineup.

Vladdy set the tone early in pool play, delivering a towering two-run home run against the Netherlands and a crucial RBI double to help secure the mercy-rule victory over South Korea in the quarterfinals.

Beyond his offensive production—highlighted by 6 RBIs in the opening games—his defensive reliability at first base and high-energy presence have been vital for a star-studded squad aiming to reclaim the global title.

Chasing the World Series

After a historic 2025 postseason run that saw the Toronto Blue Jays fall just one win short of a title, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. enters the 2026 season as the undisputed face of the franchise.

Fresh off a monumental 14-year, $500 million contract extension and an MVP performance in the ALCS, Vladdy is looking to finish the job without his longtime partner Bo Bichette, who departed in free agency.

To bolster the roster, the front office has surrounded Guerrero with high-impact reinforcements, including Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto at third base and ace Dylan Cease to lead a rotation that now features breakout youngster Trey Yesavage.

The United States advanced with a 5–3 quarterfinal victory at Daikin Park, overcoming recent turbulence that included a surprising loss to Italy earlier in the competition. With the win, the Americans officially booked their place in Sunday’s semifinal in Miami, where they will face a Dominican lineup that has dominated the tournament.

Looking ahead to the clash against a roster guided by Albert Pujols, who recently warned Team USA about the aggressive play of Juan Soto, Guerrero Jr. after DR win vs Korea, DeRosa did not hide his expectations for the spectacle awaiting fans. “I expect it to be,” said DeRosa, according to MLB.com.“One of the best games of all time.”

How did Team USA secure its semifinal spot?

The Americans built their advantage with early offense and strong pitching, beginning with a solid outing from Logan Webb. The right-hander worked 4 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing four hits and one walk while striking out five, giving the U.S. rotation the stability it needed in a knockout game.

Team USA then capitalized on Canada’s thin bullpen in the sixth inning. Brice Turang delivered an RBI single to bring home Roman Anthony, before Pete Crow-Armstrong followed with another run-scoring hit that pushed the lead to 5–0.

What makes the Dominican Republic matchup so compelling?

The semifinal now sets up a classic baseball showdown, with Paul Skenes expected to take the mound against one of the tournament’s most dangerous lineups. The Dominican offense — featuring stars such as Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr., and Julio Rodríguez — has overwhelmed opponents throughout the tournament.

Albert Pujols watched his club overwhelm Korea in a 10–0 quarterfinal victory, a game that highlighted the athleticism and instincts of Soto and Guerrero Jr.. Even without a barrage of home runs, the Dominican lineup consistently pressured the defense through aggressive baserunning and timely hitting.

After the game, Pujols emphasized how that approach could create problems for any opponent — including Team USA in the later stages of the tournament. “Speaking about Vladimir Guerrero and Juan Soto, maybe they are not the fastest runners, but they were aggressive on the bases,” Pujols said, according to MLB.com.

He also added, “When you have this kind of team that can damage you not only with the bat, but the way they play so aggressively, they know about the importance of this tournament for themselves, for the country, for our homeland.”

How did Guerrero Jr. spark the Dominican Republic offense?

The tone of the game was set early when Guerrero reached base with a walk in the second inning against former teammate Hyun Jin Ryu. Moments later, Junior Caminero drove a double into the left-field corner, giving Guerrero the opportunity to test Korea’s defense.

Racing around the bases, Guerrero approached home as the throw arrived ahead of him. Instead of sliding conventionally, the star first baseman launched into the air and stretched toward the inside of the plate, narrowly avoiding the tag to score the Dominican Republic’s first run.

Why does Pujols believe the lineup can trouble Team USA?

Pujols pointed out that the Dominican lineup’s value goes beyond raw power. With hitters such as Fernando Tatis Jr., Julio Rodriguez, Soto, and Guerrero capable of turning any play into a scoring opportunity, the team has created pressure on opposing defenses throughout the tournament.

With the Dominican Republic advancing deeper into the tournament, performances like this reinforce why the team remains one of the most dangerous contenders. If their mix of power and aggressive baserunning continues, the path to the World Baseball Classic title could eventually run through Pujols’ squad.

The clash at loanDepot park in Miami will determine which team finishes first in Pool D. Beyond standings, the game also carries pride between two Caribbean baseball powers loaded with MLB stars.

Players like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Ronald Acuña Jr. helped their teams remain perfect through the first round, setting the stage for a high-profile showdown to close the group stage. Recently, Acuña Jr. encouraged Venezuela to stay composed heading into its WBC matchup with the Dominican Republic.

What happens if Dominican Republic win vs Venezuela?

If the Dominican Republic win, they will finish first in Pool D and advance to the quarterfinals as the group winner. That result would set up a matchup against South Korea, the runner-up from Pool C, in Miami.

Finishing first is important because it avoids an early clash with tournament favorite Japan, giving the Dominican team what many consider a more favorable path deeper into the bracket.

What happens if Dominican Republic lose vs Venezuela?

If the Dominican Republic lose, they will still advance to the quarterfinals but as the Pool D runner-up. In that case, the team would face Japan, the Pool C winner and defending World Baseball Classic champion.

That matchup would be significantly tougher, as Japan are widely considered one of the strongest teams in the tournament and are led by superstar Shohei Ohtani.

So while both teams are already qualified for the knockout stage, the result of the game will determine whether the Dominican Republic face South Korea or Japan in the next round.

Venezuela had already secured its spot in the quarterfinals, but Acuña remained locked in on the game against Nicaragua. His performance helped the team secure its third win in Pool D and maintain momentum heading into one of the tournament’s biggest rivalry games.

“That’s part of my game,” Acuña said, according to MLB.com. “Sometimes I can hit a homer, sometimes I can steal a base, sometimes I can play defense. I can do it all.”

Acuña emphasizes key to beating Dominican Republic

With the win secured, attention now turns to Venezuela’s clash with the Dominican Republic national baseball team. The rivalry matchup will determine the next stage of the tournament, and Acuña believes controlling emotions will be crucial.

“It is important to manage the anxiety, the adrenaline,” Acuña said. “We’re going to have 40,000 people here at the stadium. There is a classic rivalry between both countries and we hope to win. We just have to control our emotions.”

The report came from Enrique Rojas on X (@enrique_rojas1): “Marlins informs: Nearly all seats sold for game between Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. A few seats remain along with standing room space. It will be the first game sold out completely for the 2026 WBC at loanDepot Park.”

Tickets for the Dominican Republic–Nicaragua game range from $41 up to $465 behind home plate, and as Rojas noted, only a few seats remained at the time of writing. That means it’s likely that everything will be gone before first pitch.

Capacity at loanDepot Park

loanDepot Park, where the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua will play the second Pool D game, has a capacity of 37,442 including standing room. However, it has not reached that number yet during this tournament. The opening World Baseball Classic game at the stadium, between Venezuela and the Netherlands, drew 19,542 fans.

The attendance record at loanDepot Park was set in 2017, when 37,446 fans attended a World Baseball Classic matchup between the Dominican Republic and Team USA. The Caribbean squad won that game 7–5 in a contest that lasted three hours and 38 minutes, the fourth game of that pool at the time.

After facing Nicaragua, the Dominicans will play the Netherlands on March 8, followed by a Pool D finale against Venezuela, a game that could also fill the stadium completely in what is expected to be one of the most exciting rivalries of the tournament.

Soto has taken a proactive role in uniting the roster, reaching out to teammates and creating opportunities for connection. “We’ve played together before, so we already know each other well. Soto played a huge role in bringing everyone together.” Machado said in an interview with Yancen Pujols.

He also added, “He’d call me up and say, ‘Manny, what are you doing today? We’ve got a call.’ Then he’d reach out to the next guy, and so on. He really started something special and built the chemistry on this team, I think that’s so important.”

The Dominican Republic roster boasts star power, and Juan Soto’s influence extends beyond mere coordination. “Who better to do it than Soto? He’s a massive Dominican icon, one of the best players in the Classic and in the big leagues. When stars like him, myself, Vladdy, Tatis, and Julio talk passionately about the Classic, it opens doors and inspires other players to want to join in and contribute,” Machado added, highlighting Soto’s pivotal role.

How will Soto’s leadership impact Team Dominican Republic in the WBC?

Machado believes Soto’s energy and influence could be the difference-maker for the team. His ability to inspire veterans and newcomers alike fosters unity and strengthens the roster’s commitment to the Classic.

Can Dominican Republic turn star power into a championship run?

The chemistry and leadership built by Soto and reinforced by Machado may define the team’s path in the 2026 WBC. Success will rely not only on talent but on how well these stars collaborate under international pressure.

The Dominican Republic will open play in Pool D alongside Venezuela, Netherlands, Israel and Nicaragua in Miami from March 6‑11, with the top two teams advancing to the tournament’s quarterfinals — a setup that places a premium on early momentum and leadership.