Italy Stuns USA, Complicates World Baseball Classic Quarterfinals

Italy's victory over the United States leaves the Americans' path to the quarterfinals uncertain.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 5:20am

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In a surprising upset, Italy defeated the United States 8-6 in the World Baseball Classic on Tuesday night in Houston. Italy raced out to an 8-0 lead before the Americans mounted a late comeback, but ultimately fell short. The result leaves the U.S. team's path to the quarterfinals in jeopardy, as they now need help from other teams to advance.

Why it matters

The loss is a major setback for Team USA, which was heavily favored to win the tournament. Italy's victory shakes up the standings in Pool B and complicates the Americans' path to the quarterfinals. The outcome also raises questions about the depth and preparedness of the star-studded U.S. roster.

The details

Italy jumped out to an 8-0 lead, powered by home runs from Kyle Teel, Sam Antonacci and Jac Caglianone. Starter Michael Lorenzen pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings to earn the win for Italy. The U.S. mounted a late rally, with Pete Crow-Armstrong hitting two home runs, but ultimately fell short. The loss leaves the Americans needing help from other teams to clinch a quarterfinal berth.

  • The game took place on Tuesday, March 11, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
  • Italy and the U.S. will play their final Pool B games on Wednesday, March 12, 2026.

The players

Italy

The Italian national baseball team, which pulled off the surprising upset over the heavily favored United States.

United States

The U.S. national baseball team, which was expected to cruise through the World Baseball Classic but now faces an uncertain path to the quarterfinals.

Kyle Teel

An Italian player who hit a solo home run in the game.

Sam Antonacci

An Italian player who hit a two-run home run in the game.

Jac Caglianone

An Italian player who hit a two-run home run in the game.

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What they’re saying

“We must have been overlooking Italy a bit. This is a wake-up call for us, and we need to regroup quickly if we want to advance.”

— Aaron Judge, Team USA Captain

What’s next

The final Pool B games on Wednesday will determine whether the United States advances to the quarterfinals. Italy can clinch a spot in the quarterfinals with a win over Mexico, while the U.S. needs Italy to win or Mexico to win by at least 6 runs.

The takeaway

This stunning upset by Italy over the heavily favored U.S. team has thrown the World Baseball Classic wide open. It serves as a reminder that no team can be overlooked, and that the Americans will need to play their best baseball if they hope to advance deep into the tournament.