USA and Venezuela unveiled their lineups for the highly anticipated 2026 World Baseball Classic final round on March 18 (Korean time) at London Pop Park in Florida. Dubbed the ultimate showdown, the matchup pits baseball powerhouses against each other in a thrilling contest.
USA Lineup Revealed
The USA, selected as the home team following the draw, fields a star-studded roster. Key players include Bobby Witt Jr. at shortstop, Bryce Harper at first base, Aaron Judge in right field batting third, Kyle Schwarber as designated hitter, Alex Bregman at third base, Roman Anthony in left field, Will Smith catching, Bryce Turang at second base, and Byron Buxton in center field.
Venezuela’s Power-Packed Roster
Venezuela counters with Ronald Acuña Jr. leading off at shortstop, Maikel Garcia at third base, Luis Arraez at first base, Eugenio Suárez as designated hitter, Gleyber Torres at second base, Ezequiel Tovar also at shortstop, Willier Abreu in left field, Salvador Perez behind the plate, and Jackson Chourio in center field.
Path to the Final Round
The USA dominated Pool B with two wins, defeating Canada 5-3 in eight innings and the Dominican Republic 2-1 in four innings. This marks their third straight final round appearance, the most ever.
Venezuela secured advancement from Pool D, also with two victories: an 8-5 win over Israel in eight innings and a 4-2 triumph against Italy in four innings. This is their first final round berth.
Heightened Excitement
Both teams enter as favorites, sparking massive buzz. The USA has trained rigorously since January at Terry Park, while the Venezuela matchup generates intense rivalry. Former President Donald Trump amplified the hype on social media, posting, “Venezuela is the best matchup for the US’s 51st state,” drawing widespread reactions.
