The World Baseball Classic 2026 hit a major turning point on March 10 with one of the biggest upsets in tournament history: Italy stunned the top-ranked United States 8-6 in Houston’s Pool B. This shocking loss puts Team USA’s advancement in jeopardy, as they now sit at 3-1 and must wait on the outcome of Italy vs. Mexico on March 11 to see if they advance to the quarterfinals.

The day featured four key games across the pools. In Tokyo’s Pool C, Japan cruised past Czechia 9-0 early in the morning, completing a perfect 4-0 run and locking in their spot as pool winners. In Miami’s Pool D, Israel defeated the Netherlands 6-2 with strong hitting and pitching to boost their chances. San Juan’s Pool A saw Canada edge Puerto Rico 3-2 in a tight contest, giving Canada a crucial win to stay in the mix for the top two spots.

The headline game in Houston’s Pool B lived up to the hype for drama. Italy jumped on Team USA early with timely hits and solid starting pitching, building a lead that the Americans chipped away at but couldn’t overcome. Aaron Judge and other stars struggled in key moments, including a late strikeout for Judge that sealed the loss. Italy’s victory shakes up Pool B, where Italy now leads strong, and the U.S. faces uncertainty heading into the final day of pool play.

Other results highlighted the depth of international talent. Japan’s dominant shutout showed why they remain favorites to defend their title, while Canada’s road win in Puerto Rico added tension to Pool A. Broadcasts on FS1, Tubi, FOX Deportes, and other platforms captured the electric atmospheres and global passion.

With pools wrapping up soon, surprises like Italy’s upset remind everyone why the WBC is so special—national pride, star power, and unpredictable baseball. The quarterfinals start March 13-14, leading to the March 17 final in Miami.