Venezuela won its first WBC title behind stellar pitching that held USA’s star-studded lineup to just three hits.

Tuesday March 17th, 2026

The 3-2 result in Miami on Tuesday stunned the star-studded US team, who had hoped to emerge triumphant after losing the final in 2023.

“Nobody believed in Venezuela but now we win the championship today,” Eugenio Suárez, Venezuela’s third baseman, said. 

“This is a celebration for all the Venezuelan country,” he added. 

The win comes at a time of political turmoil for the country following the US government’s capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during a military raid in January. 

Crowds cheered loudly as Suárez drove in the winning run in the top of the ninth inning, as players quickly ran onto the pitch in celebration.

Some players were draped in Venezuelan flags, as were spectators in the stands.