Miami. – The 2026 World Baseball Classic enters its decisive phase with four teams vying for a spot in the tournament's grand final. The semi-finals will be played at loanDepot park and promise two high-level matches between some of the biggest international baseball powerhouses.
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Here are the key points you should know before the matches that will define the finalists of the championship.
1. The Semifinal Matches
The semi-finals will feature four teams:
- United States Baseball Team vs. Dominican Republic Baseball Team (Sunday, 8:00 p.m.).
- Venezuela Baseball Team vs. Italy Baseball Team (Monday, 8:00 p.m.).
The winners will advance to the title game, scheduled for Tuesday.
2. The Dominican Republic arrives fired up
Dominican Republic has been one of the most dominant teams in the tournament. The Caribbean team arrives with a perfect record of 5-0, including a 10-0 knockout victory over South Korea in the quarterfinals.
In the group stage, it also defeated Venezuela, Nicaragua, the Netherlands, and Israel, establishing itself as one of the favorites to win the championship.
3. United States seeks another final
The United States reached the semifinals after defeating Canada 5-3 in the quarterfinals, supported by a solid opening by Logan Webb and a bullpen that secured the victory.
The American team is trying to reach its
third consecutive final in the tournament, after winning the title in 2017.
4. A Duel with History
Dominican Republic and the United States have faced each other three times in the history of the World Baseball Classic. The Dominicans lead the series 2-1.
One of the most remembered moments occurred in 2017, when Adam Jones starred in a spectacular catch to steal a home run from Manny Machado in the American victory that eliminated the Dominican Republic.
5. Italy and Venezuela are also looking for the final
The other semi-final will feature Italy and Venezuela.
Italy arrives after surprising the tournament with a victory over Puerto Rico in the quarterfinals and after winning their group, where they even defeated the United States.
For its part, Venezuela advanced after eliminating the defending champion Japan Baseball Team with an 8-5 victory, with home runs by Maikel García and Wilyer Abreu standing out.
6. What is at stake
The winners of both semifinals will play the tournament final on Tuesday night. Dominican Republic seeks to repeat the title won in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, while the United States attempts to add a second championship after the one achieved in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
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