The 2026 World Baseball Classic delivers one of its most unexpected matchups Monday night when Venezuela faces Italy in the second semifinal at LoanDepot park in Miami. First pitch is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, with coverage on FS1 in the United States and streaming options available globally, including Netflix in select markets.

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The winner advances to Tuesday's championship game against the survivor of Sunday's USA-Dominican Republic semifinal, marking a historic first for either nation in reaching the WBC final. Neither Venezuela nor Italy has ever won the tournament, and this marks Italy's debut in the semifinals after a stunning run.

Venezuela earned its spot with a dramatic 8-5 comeback victory over defending champion Japan on Saturday at loanDepot park. Trailing early, the Venezuelans rallied behind Wilyer Abreu's go-ahead three-run homer in the sixth inning off Hiromi Itoh, Japan's Sawamura Award winner. Closer Daniel Palencia sealed the win by inducing Shohei Ohtani to pop up for the final out, sending Venezuela to its first semifinal since 2009.

Manager Omar López's squad finished pool play 3-1, with their only loss a narrow 8-5 defeat to the Dominican Republic. Venezuela boasts one of the tournament's most potent lineups, featuring stars like Ronald Acuña Jr., José Altuve (if available in roster updates), Willson Contreras, and emerging talents such as Abreu. Their offense ranks high in runs scored and power, with timely hitting proving decisive against Japan.

Italy, the tournament's Cinderella story, enters undefeated at 5-0 after an 8-6 quarterfinal win over Puerto Rico on Saturday at Daikin Park in Houston. The Azzurri upset Team USA earlier in pool play and followed with strong showings against Mexico and others in Pool B. Manager Francisco Cervelli, the former MLB catcher, has guided a revamped roster blending Italian heritage players and international talent to exceed all expectations.

Italy's offense has been clutch, averaging solid production with key contributions from players like Vito Friscia and surprise performers in the lineup. Their pitching, anchored by reliable arms including Michael Lorenzen (projected starter in some previews), has held firm in high-pressure spots despite a leaky bullpen noted by analysts.

Probable starters for Monday remain fluid in late reports, but Venezuela is expected to turn to Detroit Tigers right-hander Keider Montero, who has shown command in tournament action. Italy's starter was listed as TBD in several outlets, with Lorenzen (now with the Colorado Rockies) a candidate after delivering scoreless innings against the U.S. in pool play.

The head-to-head history favors Venezuela 5-0 in prior WBC meetings, but this Italian team — ranked No. 14 globally — is far more competitive than past versions. Italy's momentum and underdog energy contrast with Venezuela's star power and experience in big moments.

Keys to the game include Venezuela's ability to exploit Italy's bullpen vulnerabilities early, while containing Italy's opportunistic hitting. For Italy, jumping ahead with starter effectiveness and limiting Venezuela's power bats could force a low-scoring affair where their defense shines.

Betting markets list Venezuela as moderate favorites, with lines around -150 to -170 depending on the book, reflecting their talent edge. The over/under hovers near 8-9 runs, suggesting potential for offense in Miami's hitter-friendly conditions.

This semifinal caps a tournament filled with surprises: Japan's first-ever failure to reach the semis as defending champs, Italy's upsets, and Venezuela's resurgence after a bitter 2023 quarterfinal loss to the U.S. The WBC's format — blending MLB stars with national pride — has produced electric baseball across venues in Houston, Miami, and beyond.

Community reaction on social media and forums highlights the intrigue. Fans praise Italy's grit while acknowledging Venezuela's firepower as the likely difference-maker. Predictions lean toward Venezuela advancing, with scores like 7-3 cited in expert breakdowns from The Athletic and others, but few dismiss Italy's chance for another giant-killing.

The stakes extend beyond the field: a Venezuela win would deliver the nation's first WBC final appearance, while Italy reaching the championship would cement one of the greatest Cinderella runs in international baseball history.

As loanDepot park prepares for another capacity crowd, global audiences tune in for what promises to be a compelling blend of power, resilience, and national passion. Monday's winner etches their name in WBC lore, setting the stage for Tuesday's title clash.