Team Italy secured a stunning 8-6 victory over favored Team USA in Pool B of the 2026 World Baseball Classic on Tuesday at Daikin Park in Houston, marking one of the biggest upsets in tournament history. Italy, now undefeated at 3-0 entering their finale, followed with a dominant win over Mexico on Wednesday, clinching advancement for both teams under tiebreaker rules while leaving USA at 3-1.
In Pool B play, Italy stunned Team USA 8-6 on March 11 before a crowd of 38,653. Mets rookie Nolan McLean struck out the side in the first for USA, but Italy erupted in the second with catcher Kyle Teel's solo home run, followed by shortstop Sam Antonacci's two-run shot after Jac Caglianone was hit by a pitch, taking a 3-0 lead. Caglianone added a 403-foot, 110.4 mph two-run homer off Ryan Yarbrough in the fourth, extending it to 5-0. Starter Michael Lorenzen dominated with 4 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing two hits.
USA mounted a late rally: Gunnar Henderson's solo homer in the sixth made it 8-1 after Italy pushed to 8-0 on errors and wild pitches. Pete Crow-Armstrong starred with a three-run homer in the seventh (narrowing to 8-4) and a solo shot in the ninth, plus four RBIs total. Singles from Kyle Schwarber, Will Smith, and Roman Anthony got to 8-5, but Bryce Harper flied out and Aaron Judge struck out against Greg Weissert to seal it.
Italy manager Francisco Cervelli called it "one of the best days of my life," praising his young squad. USA's Aaron Judge noted, "Italy came out swinging." The loss put USA's quarterfinal hopes on Italy's Wednesday matchup vs. Mexico at 7 p.m. ET.
Italy dominated Mexico, taking a 5-0 lead through five innings on Jakob Marsee's bases-loaded single and a sacrifice bunt scoring Caglianone. Captain Vinnie Pasquantino's second homer pushed it to 6-0. The result advanced both Italy and USA to the quarterfinals under tiebreakers, barring an unlikely Mexico comeback in extras.
In Group A, Canada defeated Cuba 7-2 behind two RBIs each from Owen Caissie and Otto Lopez, joining Puerto Rico in advancing.