United States vs Venezuela: Lineups and Keys to the 2026 World Baseball Classic Final

United States and Venezuela face off in the 2026 World Baseball Classic final

The expected final of the 2026 World Baseball Classic is about to arrive. On Tuesday, the United States and Venezuela will face each other in a duel that will define the new world baseball champion. The meeting is scheduled for 8:00 PM (Eastern Time) at loanDepot Park.

Star Pitchers’ Duel

The United States will have Nolan McLean on the mound, who will seek an outstanding performance. Venezuela, for its part, will rely on the left-hander Eduardo Rodríguez.

Confirmed Lineups

United States:

• Bobby Witt Jr., SS
• Bryce Harper, 1B
• Aaron Judge, RF
• Kyle Schwarber, BD
• Alex Bregman, 3B
• Roman Anthony, LF
• Will Smith, C
• Brice Turang, 2B
• Byron Buxton, CF

Venezuela:

• Ronald Acuña Jr., RF
• Maikel García, 3B
• Luis Arráez, 1B
• Eugenio Suárez, DH
• Gleyber Torres, 2B
• Ezequiel Tovar, SS
• Wilyer Abreu, LF
• Salvador Pérez, C
• Jackson Chourio, CF

Road to the final

The United States secured its place in the final after defeating the Dominican Republic 2-1 in the semifinals. Paul Skenes’ pitching and the American bullpen were key to containing the Dominican offense. Venezuela arrives motivated after coming back against Italy with a score of 4-2. A decisive rally in the seventh inning, led by Acuña Jr. and Maikel García, propelled the Venezuelan victory. Both selections finished the previous phase with a 5-1 record. The home advantage was defined by a draw, favoring the United States.

What’s at stake

The United States will seek its second title in the history of the tournament, after their victory in 2017. Venezuela, for its part, will play its first final, with the ambition of being crowned for the first time. The history between both teams favors the United States with a record of 3-2 in previous Classic matches, including the 2023 duel.