Italy defeated Mexico 6-0 in Pool B's finale at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, securing top seed and propelling the United States into quarterfinals via tiebreakers. Canada topped Pool A with a 7-2 win over Cuba, while Pool D seeding was contested between undefeated Dominican Republic and Venezuela.
Pool play in the 2026 World Baseball Classic wrapped up on March 11 with decisive results across groups, setting the single-elimination quarterfinals starting March 13 in Miami.
In Pool B at Daikin Park in Houston, Italy (4-0) dominated Mexico 6-0, building a commanding lead early. Captain Vinnie Pasquantino hit two solo home runs (second and fifth innings), Jon Berti added a moonshot in the fourth—Italy's 10th tournament homer—and Jac Caglianone scored on Dante Nori's sacrifice bunt in the fifth, with Jakob Marsee's bases-loaded single pushing it to 6-0. Starter Aaron Nola opposed Mexico's Javier Assad, who faltered after a strong first. The margin activated tiebreakers, eliminating a potential three-way 3-1 tie risk for USA (head-to-head edge over Mexico at 3-1), as Italy's manager Francisco Cervelli hoped to avoid calculators: "I'm not sure what's going to happen. We can use the calculator. I may not need to."
This followed Italy's 8-6 upset of USA the prior day. USA captain Aaron Judge noted reliance on the outcome: "It's out of our control. Now we just need a little luck." Mexico (2-2), 2023 semifinalists, couldn't rally despite a strong bullpen.
Italy builds on 2023 quarterfinals and past Pool B upsets over Mexico (2013: 6-5; 2017: 10-9). Pool B sends Italy vs. Pool A runner-up and USA in favorable position.
In Pool A at Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, Canada (3-1) beat Cuba 7-2 for first-ever top seed, with Owen Caissie, Otto Lopez driving two RBI each, and Cal Quantrill's five innings of one-run ball. Puerto Rico (3-1) also advanced, eliminating Cuba (2-2).
Pool D at loanDepot Park, Miami, saw undefeated Dominican Republic (3-0) lead Venezuela (3-0) via Juan Soto's early homer for a 2-0 edge; winner faces Korea, loser Japan. Pool C: Japan 4-0 top, Korea 2-2 via tiebreaker.
The results underscore the tournament's depth, with quarterfinal matchups now set.
