Venezuela defeated the United States in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) championship game on March 17, 2026, winning 3-2 with an RBI double by Eugenio Suarez in the ninth inning securing their first-ever WBC title.
Following the win, Donald Trump posted on his platform Truth Social, repeating an idea he had shared earlier in the tournament suggesting that Venezuela could become part of the United States.
He wrote, “STATEHOOD!!! President DJT.” The previous night, after Venezuela beat Italy, Trump had made a similar post which said, “Good things are happening to Venezuela lately! I wonder what this magic is all about? STATEHOOD, #51, ANYONE? President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Venezuela took a 2-0 lead early in the World Baseball Classic final and looked in control of the game. The United States fought back when Bryce Harper hit a big home run in the eighth inning to tie the score at 2-2, bringing energy back into the stadium.
Venezuela regained the lead 3–2 in the top of the ninth inning and held on to win the championship, sending their fans into a powerful celebration.
