The United States and Venezuela prepare to clash in the World Baseball Classic final, reflecting both sporting ambitions and underlying political tensions.

Major league clubs routinely place restrictions on how national team managers can use pitchers at the WBC. One key for López and Venezuela in Tuesday night’s championship game was that he talked some MLB team executives into dropping their initial limitations. U.S. manager Mark DeRosa accepted such restraints.

Rod & Jeter made their pick of who will win the World Baseball Classic Final between the United States and Venezuela.

The final game of the World Baseball Classic is set, with USA favored to beat Venezuela

MIAMI (AP) — Aaron Judge walked slowly back and forth in the United States dugout Tuesday night while Venezuelan players shed tears and fell to their knees to celebrate the country's first World Baseball Classic title.

Bryce Harper hit a two-run homer to tie the game for the United States 2-2 against Venezuela.

The United States national baseball team is facing off against Venezuela tonight in the final of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

The United States is playing Venezuela for the World Baseball Classic title in a game that carries political overtones.