Has Venezuela won the World Baseball Classic before? What to know after 2026
Venezuela has done the improbable.
The Arepa Power on Tuesday upset Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic final 3-2, marking a historic result for the nation.
Venezuela led 2-0 for most of the game and looked to be on its way to a potential shutout win. Bryce Harper had different plans, as the Philadelphia Phillies star hit a two-run homer with two outs in the bottom of the eighth to knot it up.
But whereas most teams might’ve succumbed to the moment, the Venezuelans came right back out and responded with another run of their own. And that would be enough to hold off the U.S., which lacked offensive firepower in the semifinals vs. the Dominican Republic, too.
Here’s what to know about the country’s history in the tournament:
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Has Venezuela won the World Baseball Classic before?
No…
How many World Baseball Classic wins does Venezuela have?
This marks the country’s first time hoisting the WBC trophy, coming against the U.S. Venezuela also eliminated reigning champions Japan in the quarterfinals and Italy, undefeated coming into the matchup, in the semis.
What is Venezuela’s best run in the World Baseball Classic?
Venezuela’s 2026 run is its best ever in the tournament. The nation previously never made the final.
Who is on Venezuela’s World Baseball Classic roster?
Venezuela’s final run wasn’t random — the nation has several quality MLB players on the roster. Players in 2026 included Ronald Acuna Jr., Luis Arraez, Ranger Suarez, Salvador Perez, Eugenio Suarez, Gleyber Torres, Wilyer Abreu, Maikel Garcia and more.
Garcia, 26 years old and a Kansas City Royal, took home the MVP award.
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