The United States has been on top of the World Baseball Classic before.

CLEARWATER, Fla. — It usually takes about a day for social media to ruin everything. In the case of Jesús Luzardo, it’s right on time. Monday was one day after the news broke that Luzardo and the Phillies decided it would be best for him to decline an invitation from Team Venezuela to pitch in the World Baseball Classic final on Tuesday if Venezuela made it that far.

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.

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.

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

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.