Venezuela will play the United States in the World Baseball Classic championship game Tuesday night in Miami, marking Venezuela's first appearance in the tournament final since the event began in 2006.

The Venezuelan team, led by All-Stars Ronald Acuña Jr., Maikel Garcia and Luis Arraez, advanced to the final after defeating Italy 4-2 in Monday's semifinal. Venezuela had previously upset three-time champion Japan 8-5 on Saturday to reach its first semifinal since 2009. The United States earned its spot in the final by beating the Dominican Republic 2-1 on Sunday, with home runs from Gunnar Henderson and Roman Anthony.

The championship game takes place at loanDepot park in Miami, where Venezuela has enjoyed strong fan support from the area's large Venezuelan population. "As Venezuelan players, we are playing for our country," Garcia said after Monday's victory. "And, of course, putting Latin America in a high position, showing that we have great baseball, we have great talent."

The tournament occurs during a period of heightened political tensions between the two countries. Players and coaches have avoided discussing political matters, with Acuña stating, "We're here to speak baseball. Our country deserves the game tomorrow." President Trump referenced Venezuela's tournament success in a social media post, writing about "good things happening to Venezuela lately."

For the United States, manager Mark DeRosa will start rookie pitcher Nolan McLean against Venezuela's Eduardo Rodríguez. The Americans are seeking their second World Baseball Classic title and first since 2017, having lost to Japan in the 2023 final. "Putting U.S. on your chest and going out there and competing obviously means the world," McLean said.

Venezuela manager Omar López described reaching the final as fulfilling a dream. "This is the responsibility that I take to give joy to my country," López said. "It was the dream that I shared with everyone, to be in this situation."