Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Ronald Acuna Jr. Shares Message About Venezuela-USA World Baseball Classic Championship

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joey Mistretta | Last updated Mar 16, 2026 11:27 PM ET

Team Venezuela defeated Team Italy 4-2 in the World Baseball Classic semifinals on Monday night. They are now set to play Team USA in the WBC championship on Tuesday night. Following Monday's game, reporter Ken Rosenthal asked Acuna about the upcoming USA-Venezuela WBC matchup, via FOX Sports: MLB.

"USA's got a really good team, we have a really good team, too," Acuna said. "Let's see what happens tomorrow."

The 2026 Venezuela team is the first to reach the WBC championship in the history of the tournament. Acuna also commented on what it means to represent his country in the World Baseball Classic.

"I'm so excited," Acuna said. "A lot of emotion."

Ronald Acuna Jr. Ready to Lead Team Venezuela in WBC Championship

Venezuela right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (21) © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Team USA entered the tournament as the favorite. They endured an up and down first round, but they ended up reaching the quarterfinals. The USA has since performed well and they have momentum heading into Tuesday night's championship.

However, Team Venezuela has no shortage of momentum as well. This team has continued to find ways to win games. Team Italy had been tremendous throughout the WBC. Their lineup had been especially impressive. Yet, Venezuela limited them to only two runs scored on Monday night.

Offensively, Ronald Acuna Jr. has led the way. He will enter the final on Tuesday with a slash line of .261/.414/.565 across six games and 23 at-bats. He has also hit two home runs and recorded 10 runs scored, six walks, four RBIs and two stolen bases. Acuna is making an impact in different ways to say the least.

Team USA will likely be the favorite in the World Baseball Classic championship. They feature one of the most complete teams ever constructed in baseball history. With that being said, Team Venezuela has more than enough talent on their roster to make things interesting. An upset would not be shocking, although accomplishing that feat will prove to be a challenge.

Anything can happen, though. Ronald Acuna Jr. will do everything he can to help his team.

Regardless of which ball club ends up earning the victory, the World Baseball Classic championship should be a competitive matchup. It will have a World Series feel to it as well. The atmosphere is going to be absolutely electric.

First pitch is scheduled for 8 PM EST in Miami on Tuesday night.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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