United States Reaches World Baseball Classic Final

The U.S. team looks to claim its second WBC title in nine years.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:56pm

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The United States has advanced to the championship game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic after defeating the Dominican Republic 2-1 in the semifinal. The U.S. squad, featuring a roster of MLB stars, will face the winner of the Italy-Venezuela semifinal matchup on March 17 at loanDepot Park in Miami. This marks the third straight time the Americans have reached the WBC final, with their only previous title coming in 2017.

Why it matters

The World Baseball Classic is a prestigious international baseball tournament that showcases the top talent from around the globe. For the United States, winning the WBC would be a significant accomplishment, as the country has only captured the title once before in the event's history.

The details

In the semifinal game, the U.S. was powered by solo home runs from Baltimore Orioles infielder Gunnar Henderson and Boston Red Sox star Roman Anthony. Pitcher Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates gave up one run in 4.1 innings to earn the victory, while A's closer Mason Miller struck out the final batter with a runner on third to seal the win. The U.S. team went 3-1 in pool play before defeating Canada in the quarterfinals to set up the matchup with the Dominican Republic.

  • The championship game will be played on March 17, 2026.
  • The U.S. defeated the Dominican Republic in the semifinal on March 15, 2026.
  • The U.S. team went 3-1 in pool play earlier in the tournament.

The players

Paul Skenes

A pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates who earned the victory in the semifinal game against the Dominican Republic.

Mason Miller

The closer for the Oakland Athletics who struck out the final batter to secure the U.S. victory over the Dominican Republic.

Gunnar Henderson

An infielder for the Baltimore Orioles who hit a solo home run to help power the U.S. team to victory in the semifinal.

Roman Anthony

A star player for the Boston Red Sox who also hit a solo home run in the U.S. semifinal win.

Aaron Judge

A Major League Baseball star who is part of the U.S. roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The United States will face the winner of the Italy-Venezuela semifinal matchup in the championship game on March 17.

The takeaway

The U.S. team's run to the World Baseball Classic final showcases the depth of talent in Major League Baseball and the country's continued dominance on the international baseball stage.