As the 2026 World Baseball Classic opened play on March 3, Team USA started successfully with dominant offensive performances against Brazil and Great Britain. But following a big upset loss to Italy, the team finished as the Pool B runner-up and will face Canada in the quarterfinals.
It all began versus Brazil on March 6. The USA’s offensive firepower was too much for Brazil to handle, cruising to victory, 15-5. One key contributor to the win was New York Yankees outfielder and 2025 American League Most Valuable Player Aaron Judge, who finished with one home run and two RBIs in the offensive onslaught.
Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber also added fuel to the fire, finishing with a final stat line of two runs and two hits. Schwarber gave the team run production in the middle of the batting order, which helped greatly in the win.
Because of the early scoring onslaught against Brazil, America was able to rest key arms, which proved to help Team USA in its 9-1 victory over Great Britain on March 7.
Tarik Skubal, starter for the Detroit Tigers and 2025 American League Cy Young Award winner, struck out five batters across three innings for Team USA. Coming out of the bullpen, New York Mets reliever Clay Holmes struck out six batters across three scoreless innings.
In terms of hitting against Great Britain, Gunnar Henderson was the man of the hour, going 4-5 with two RBIs. Schwarber once again was a key contributor, finishing with two hits and two RBIs.
Following their victory against Great Britain, Team USA faced Mexico, its toughest opponent yet. Although the U.S. built an early 5-0 lead, Mexico battled back and made it a close game by the final inning. The red, white and blue clutched up, however, winning 5-3. This was the team’s biggest win yet, as it was the first win versus Mexico in the WBC since 2006.
Pittsburgh Pirates starter Paul Skenes finished the game with an impressive seven strikeouts in four innings pitched. Judge hit a home run in the win, and a key RBI from first baseman Paul Goldschmidt helped push the U.S. ahead.
With a 3-0 record in pool play, Team USA was at the top of the world. The U.S. would get knocked off its high horse, though, as Italy had other ideas.
Three early home runs from Italy’s Kyle Teel, Sam Antonacci and Jac Caglianone put the team on track for its huge 8-6 upset against Team USA. Although the U.S. out-hit Italy 11-6, the team was only 2-for-5 with runners in scoring position, giving Italy the ultimate edge.
The loss put Team USA’s fate in the hands of Italy and Mexico, who matched up on March 11. For the U.S. to advance to the quarterfinals, either Italy had to win or Mexico had to win and score at least five runs.
Fortunately for Team USA, Italy dominated Mexico, 9-1. The win sealed Team USA’s quarterfinal spot, and the team is now set to face Pool A winner Canada on March 14, at 2 p.m.
Hitters to watch include Aaron Judge, Kyle Schwarber, Bobby Witt Jr. and Pete Crow-Armstrong, who could decide the tournament with their skills. Paul Skenes, Logan Webb and Clay Holmes are capable of throwing heat, and they will certainly be the guys on the bump to watch.
Team USA has shown that they have the firepower to go all the way, and now looks to defeat its northern border rivals in Canada to advance further into the tournament.
