US Advances to World Baseball Classic Quarterfinals

Italy's win over Mexico secures the US team's spot in the next round

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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The United States has punched its ticket to the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic after getting the help it needed from Italy. Italy's 9-1 victory over Mexico on Wednesday night gave Italy the top spot in Group B and assured the Americans advancement as the second-place team. The US team, with an All-Star-filled roster, had previously beaten Britain and Brazil in group play but lost to Italy 8-6 a night earlier.

Why it matters

The World Baseball Classic is a prestigious international baseball tournament that features the best players from around the world. The US team's advancement to the quarterfinals keeps them in contention for the championship, which would be a major accomplishment for the baseball powerhouse.

The details

After losing to Italy 8-6 on Tuesday, the US team needed Italy to beat Mexico on Wednesday in order to clinch a spot in the quarterfinals. Italy did just that, routing Mexico 9-1 and finishing 4-0 in group play. The US team finished 3-1. Mexico, which lost to the US, was eliminated from the WBC and from qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

  • The US team punched its ticket to the quarterfinals on Wednesday, March 12, 2026.
  • The US team lost to Italy 8-6 on Tuesday, March 11, 2026.

The players

Mark DeRosa

The manager of the US national baseball team.

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What they’re saying

“Ton of respect for Italy — it's weird — we want to win this game even though our ticket's punched to the quarterfinals because Mexico plays Italy actually tomorrow. So, the way the schedule lines up this is an important game for us.”

— Mark DeRosa, US National Team Manager (AP News)

What’s next

The US team will stay in Houston to meet Canada, which advanced past the first round for the first time, on Friday night. Italy will play Puerto Rico in the other quarterfinal at Daikin Park on Saturday.

The takeaway

The US team's advancement to the quarterfinals of the prestigious World Baseball Classic is a significant accomplishment, showcasing the depth and talent of American baseball. The team's ability to overcome a loss to Italy and secure a spot in the next round through Italy's help against Mexico demonstrates the competitive nature of the tournament.