The 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) final will be a "Maduro Derby" between the United States and Venezuela. The matchup pits Venezuela against the United States, the nation that ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. As global attention focuses on the championship game, U.S. President Donald Trump posted on social media, "Statehood #51?" — stoking controversy.
Venezuela defeated Italy 4-2 in the WBC semifinal at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, on March 17 (Korea time). After eliminating defending champion Japan 8-5 in the quarterfinals, Venezuela rode that momentum to silence previously unbeaten Italy and reach the WBC final for the first time in history. Their previous best finish was the 2009 semifinals, where they lost to South Korea 2-10.
