March 15, 2026 – The 2026 World Baseball Classic quarterfinals concluded with a seismic upset Saturday night, as Venezuela eliminated the three-time defending champion Japan, 8-5, to advance to the semifinals for the first time since 2009. The result sets up a final four featuring Venezuela, Italy, the United States, and the Dominican Republic.
Quarterfinal Results & Scores
The knockout stage began on Friday, March 13, and concluded Saturday, March 14. Here are the final scores:
- Dominican Republic 10, South Korea 0 (F/7) – Friday in Miami. The Dominican Republic mercy-ruled Korea to advance.
- United States 5, Canada 3 – Friday in Houston. Team USA survived a late push from Canada to secure its semifinal berth.
- Italy 8, Puerto Rico 6 – Saturday in Houston. Italy held off a furious Puerto Rican rally in the eighth inning to stay unbeaten in the tournament.
- Venezuela 8, Japan 5 – Saturday in Miami. Venezuela snapped Japan’s 11-game WBC winning streak with a dramatic comeback victory.
Semifinal Schedule
The tournament now moves to a single-elimination semifinal round at loanDepot park in Miami.
- Sunday, March 15, 8:00 p.m. ET (FS1): United States vs. Dominican Republic. A star-studded rematch of their Pool D clash, which the Dominican Republic won 7-5.
- Monday, March 16, 8:00 p.m. ET (FS1): Venezuela vs. Italy. Venezuela looks to continue its historic run against an undefeated Italian squad.
Championship Game
The winners of the two semifinals will meet for the 2026 World Baseball Classic title on Tuesday, March 17, at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX, also at loanDepot park in Miami.
Key Storylines
Venezuela Stuns Japan
In a game featuring instant offense from superstars Ronald Acuña Jr. (lead-off HR) and Shohei Ohtani (tying HR), Venezuela’s depth proved decisive. Boston Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu delivered the game-winning blow with a three-run homer in the sixth inning, punctuated by an emphatic bat flip. Kansas City Royals infielder Maikel Garcia added a crucial two-run shot in the fifth. Venezuela’s bullpen threw 6 1/3 scoreless innings to seal the victory, sending the defending champions home earlier than any previous WBC.
Italy Remains Unbeaten
Italy, which went 4-0 in Pool B play, continued its surprising run by defeating Puerto Rico. Boston Red Sox reliever Greg Weissert earned his third save of the tournament, closing the door on Puerto Rico’s four-run eighth inning.
USA vs. Dominican Republic Preview
The marquee semifinal features a rematch of one of the tournament’s most thrilling pool play games. The Dominican Republic, led by Juan Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., enters as the only undefeated team remaining (5-0). Team USA, seeking redemption after losing to Japan in the 2023 final, advanced with hard-fought wins over Mexico and Canada.
All times Eastern. Schedule subject to change.