How did Venezuela make the WBC title game? Explaining Ronald Acuna Jr. and company's run to finals

Venezuela is heading to the World Baseball Classic championship for the first time in its history.

They entered the tournament in Pool D alongside the Dominican Republic, which was a popular pick to win the tournament. Venezuela finished as the second-best team in Pool D, which meant it had to take on Japan, the Pool C winner and reigning WBC champion.

Venezuela pulled off the upset to advance to the semifinals. There, it matched up with Team Italy, which came into the game undefeated in the tournament so far. Just like the game against Japan, Venezuela fell behind early but mounted an impressive comeback. The win sets up a massive championship game against the U.S. on Tuesday night, with the winner being crowned the 2026 WBC champion.

Here is more on how Venezuela made it to the 2026 WBC championship game against the United States.

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How did Venezuela make the WBC championship game?

Venezuela was in Pool D along with the Dominican Republic, Israel, the Netherlands and Nicaragua. Team Venezuela won its first three games, and then ran into trouble against the Dominican Republic. 

Venezuela WBC comebacks 

Venezuela went 3-0 in its first three games of pool play. It did a good job of getting on the scoreboard early and did not trail in any of those first three wins. Venezuela then lost to the Dominican Republic in its final pool-play game and, for the first time in the tournament, never held the lead.

After going 3-1 in Pool D, Venezuela advanced to the playoffs. It matched up with Japan, which won the 2023 WBC and went undefeated in pool play. Japan took a 5-2 lead in the bottom of the third inning. Venezuela scored two runs in the fifth inning to cut the deficit to one. In the sixth, Wilyer Abreu hit a three-run home run to give Venezuela a two-run lead. Venezuela then added one run in the eighth inning, while the pitching staff threw six scoreless innings to secure the 8-5 win.

In the semifinals, Italy scored two runs in the bottom of the second inning. Venezuela scored its first run in the top of the fourth. In the top of the seventh inning, Venezuela ignited the crowd by scoring three runs to take a two-run lead. Similar to the game against Japan, the pitching staff then threw seven scoreless innings, and Venezuela advanced to the finals with a 4-2 win.

MORE WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC 2026:

• The biggest differences between WBC vs. MLB
• How many innings in World Baseball Classic games?
• Why WBC games can end early with mercy rule
• How qualifying, pool play, standings and more work in the WBC

Who are Venezuela's best players?

Not to take anything away from Venezuela's pitchers, but the country's best players are in the lineup. 

• C William Contreras - Milwaukee Brewers
• C Salvador Perez - Kansas City Royals
• 2B Luis Arraez - San Francisco Giants
• 3B Maikel Garcia - Kansas City Royals
• 3B Eugenio Suarez - Cincinnati Reds
• RF Ronald Acuna Jr. - Atlanta Braves
• CF Jackson Chourio - Milwaukee Brewers

There is talent up and down the lineup, but it is easy to say that these seven players are the best that Team Venezuela has to offer. They are made up of multiple All-Star Game representatives, a player who won three consecutive batting titles and an MVP winner. While the pitching could be suspect in what will likely be a bullpen game, these seven players do a pretty good job of stacking up to the top seven of Team USA. While it isn't equal, the gap between the two lineups isn't as big as some may think. 

MORE: Who has the most WBC championships in history

Venezuela WBC history

Venezuela has qualified for all six iterations of the World Baseball Classic. Ahead of the 2026 tournament, Venezuela's best finish was making it to the semifinals, but they lost 10-2 to South Korea. Even making the finals of the 2026 WBC is already a new best for the country. 

When is the USA vs. Venezuela championship game?

The USA and Venezuela will play on Tuesday, March 17. First pitch from loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida is set for 8 p.m. ET.