The World Baseball Classic 2026 wrapped up the first-round pool stage on March 11 with decisive games that finalized the eight teams advancing to the quarterfinals. It was a day full of home-run fireworks, historic performances, and late-inning tension, setting up an intense knockout bracket. The three games on March 11 decided the remaining spots and pool winners:

In San Juan (Pool A), Canada defeated Cuba 7-2 at Hiram Bithorn Stadium. Canada used timely hits and a strong middle-inning rally to secure the top spot in Pool A (3-1 record) and earn their first-ever quarterfinal appearance in WBC history. Cuba finished 2-2 and was eliminated.

In Houston (Pool B), Italy crushed Mexico 9-1 at Daikin Park. Captain Vinnie Pasquantino made WBC history by hitting three home runs in a single game—the first time anyone has done it in the tournament. Italy finished a perfect 4-0, won Pool B outright, and eliminated Mexico. This result also clinched a quarterfinal berth for the United States (3-1), who advanced as the second team from the group.

In Miami (Pool D), Dominican Republic beat Venezuela 7-5 at loanDepot park. The Dominicans launched four home runs (Juan Soto, Ketel Marte, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Fernando Tatis Jr.) to build an early lead. Venezuela mounted a ninth-inning rally, scoring two runs and loading the bases with Salvador Pérez at the plate, but a double play ended the threat and sealed the win. Dominican Republic (4-0) claimed first place in Pool D, while Venezuela (3-1) advanced as the runner-up.

Final quarterfinal matchups (March 13–14):

Friday, March 13 (Miami/Houston):

6:30 p.m. ET: South Korea vs. Dominican Republic (FS2, Miami) 8:00 p.m. ET: United States vs. Canada (FOX, Houston)

Saturday, March 14:

3:00 p.m. ET: Puerto Rico vs. Italy (FS1, Houston) 9:00 p.m. ET: Venezuela vs. Japan (FOX, Miami)

Semifinals follow on March 15–16, with the championship game on March 17 at loanDepot park in Miami. With defending champion Japan still perfect, Italy pulling off major upsets, and powerhouses like the Dominican Republic and the U.S. moving forward, the knockout stage promises elite matchups and high stakes. The best international baseball continues—stay locked in!