The 2026 World Baseball Classic is underway. Following Japan’s 2023 WBC championship, the United States has been eagerly awaiting the chance for revenge. This year’s bracket is set up for the potential of a championship rematch. The United States is the Pool B favorite, and Japan is the favorite in Pool C. The championship rounds will feature semifinal games before the March 17th final in Miami, Florida. Here are bold predictions for the 2026 World Baseball Classic championship round.
The United States Defeats Venezuela in Semifinal 1
Meeting up in the first semifinal game, the United States has Paul Skenes on the mound opposing Venezuela’s Ranger Suarez. Skenes tosses three shutout innings, with the US bullpen holding Venezuela to one run over six innings. The United States wins 7-1, with home runs coming from Gunnar Henderson, Kyle Schwarber, and Aaron Judge. The victory allows the United States to carry the momentum into the March 17th final.
Japan Defeats Puerto Rico in Semifinal 2
The second semifinal game features Japan’s Yoshinobu Yamamoto versus Puerto Rico’s Seth Lugo. The game is close throughout, and the ninth inning begins with the score tied at two runs apiece. Japan wins 3-2 with the game-winning home run coming off the bat of the Chicago White Sox’s Munetaka Murakami.
The United States Succeeds in Defeating Japan
The matchup everyone’s been waiting for sees Paul Skenes taking the mound for the United States and Hiroto Takahashi for Japan. The early part of the game is dominated by pitching, with hard-hit balls failing to land for hits. Both teams score two runs each, between the fifth through seventh innings, and enter the ninth inning tied 2-2. The United States’ bullpen holds Japan scoreless in their half of the ninth inning. In the bottom of the ninth, Japan gets two quick outs before Baltimore’s Gunnar Henderson comes up to bat. With a 2-1 count, Henderson sends the next pitch into the stands, and the United States comes away victorious.
Gunnar Henderson is Named WBC MVP
Sealing the Championship MVP with his walk-off homerun, Gunnar Henderson finishes the tournament batting .500 with four home runs, 18 RBI, and three stolen bases. His .500 batting average, four home runs, and 18 RBI lead the tournament. After the 2023 World Baseball Classic ended with Shohei Ohtani striking out Mike Trout, Gunnar Henderson avenged the loss, and the United States is the champion of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
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