MIAMI (VINnews) – Venezuela rallied for its first World Baseball Classic championship Tuesday night, defeating the star-studded United States 3-2 in a thrilling final at loanDepot Park.

Eugenio Suárez delivered the decisive blow with a tiebreaking double in the ninth inning, capping a comeback that saw Venezuela overcome a game-tying home run from Bryce Harper in the eighth. The victory marked the first WBC title for Venezuela after years of strong showings without gold.

The game, played before an electric crowd in Miami on March 17, 2026, featured tense pitching duels and late-inning heroics. Venezuela starter and relievers combined to limit the U.S. to three hits until Harper’s blast knotted the score at 2-2.

Venezuela had advanced to its first championship game by rallying past Italy in the semifinals, with clutch contributions from stars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Luis Arraez and Maikel Garcia throughout the tournament.

The United States, seeking redemption after falling to Japan in 2023, reached the final with a narrow semifinal win over the Dominican Republic. Manager Mark DeRosa’s squad showcased power and pitching depth but couldn’t hold off Venezuela’s late surge.

The 2026 tournament, the sixth edition of the WBC, ran from March 5-17 across venues in Tokyo, San Juan, Houston and Miami. Twenty national teams competed in pool play before the knockout rounds.

Venezuela’s path included come-from-behind victories and strong performances from its Major League talent, culminating in the historic upset of the heavily favored Americans.

The win secures Venezuela’s place among baseball’s elite international programs, following titles by Japan (three times), the Dominican Republic (2013) and the United States (2017).

Final attendance for the tournament exceeded 1.3 million fans across 47 games, highlighting the growing global appeal of the event.