MIAMI, FL – The most anticipated matchup of the 2026 World Baseball Classic pool stage is set for tonight as undefeated rivals Venezuela and the Dominican Republic clash at loanDepot park to decide the winner of Pool D. First pitch is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on FS1.
Both teams enter with perfect 3-0 records and have already secured spots in the quarterfinals in Miami. However, the stakes for Wednesday’s game are immense: the winner claims the Pool D title and a quarterfinal matchup against Korea on Friday, while the loser must face the defending champion, Japan, on Saturday.
The game is a high-stakes rematch of the 2023 WBC opener, where Venezuela defeated the Dominican Republic 5-1, contributing to the D.R.’s early tournament exit. Historically, the Dominican Republic holds a 4-1 advantage over Venezuela in WBC play.
“I don’t see it as revenge,” said Dominican starter Sandy Alcantara. “This is a very short tournament… On Wednesday, we will be able to go out to the field and fight from the very first pitch, and may the best team win.”
The pitching matchup features a duel of aces: right-hander Sandy Alcantara (Dominican Republic) against left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (Venezuela).
The Dominican Republic’s offense has been explosive, scoring double-digit runs in all three pool games and leading the tournament with nine home runs. Stars like Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Julio Rodriguez, and Fernando Tatis Jr. have powered the lineup.
Venezuela, led by Ronald Acuña Jr. and Luis Arraez, has been equally dominant, outscoring opponents 21-5. Acuña’s focus has been sharp, with his performance against Nicaragua on Tuesday setting the stage for this rivalry game.
Tickets for the sold-out event at the Miami Marlins’ home stadium are in high demand, with limited availability on official resale marketplaces. The game will air on FS1 and is available for streaming on the Fox Sports app and Fubo, which offers a free trial.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic final is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, at loanDepot park.