The 2026 World Baseball Classic has delivered on its hype. After weeks of intense international competition, the championship game is set. The tournament will come down to two teams in a single-elimination battle for baseball’s global crown.

MIAMI (AP) — Francisco Cervelli believes Italy won't be sneaking up on opponents in three years at the next World Baseball Classic. “We are no longer the Cinderella,” the Italy manager said after the Azzurri were eliminated with a 4-2 semifinal loss to Venezuela on Monday night.

MIAMI -- "When we went to the World Series," Ronald Acuña Jr. said earlier this week, "I wasn't there. Thank God I'm living this great moment in my career." When the Atlanta Braves won the World Series in 2021,

Anthony, who hit the eventual game-deciding home run in Sunday's win over the Dominican Republic, leads Team USA with seven RBIs in six games in the WBC.

"It's bigger and better than the World Series," the U.S. captain said after a 2-1 semifinal win over the Dominican Republic that came down to Sunday night's final pitch. "The passion that these fans have, representing their country, representing some of their favorite players, there's nothing like it."

As the World Baseball Classic tournament moved ahead, Venezuela overcame Italy 4-2 and the United States bested the Dominican Republic 2-1 in the semifinals. The teams will face each other in the final Tuesday in Miami.

Venezuela outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. made a critical single in their semifinals match against Italy in the World Baseball Classic.