MIAMI – The Group D action heats up at loanDepot Park this Saturday, March 7, as Venezuela faces Israel in a crucial early matchup in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The game, set to begin at 7:00 PM Eastern Time, is a key contest for both teams as they vie for position in what’s shaping up to be a competitive pool. For fans eager to follow the action, here’s a comprehensive guide on where to watch Venezuela versus Israel LIVE.
Venezuela and Israel: A Clash in Miami
Venezuela enters this game looking to build on their opening-day victory, while Israel aims to make a statement in their third appearance in the Classic. The stakes are high as both teams seek to establish themselves as contenders in Group D.
How Both Teams Shape Up
Venezuela is coming off a 6-2 win against the Netherlands, a performance highlighted by a key home run from Javier Sanoja that broke a tie in the second inning. Luis Arráez also impressed, going 1-for-3 with two RBIs, including a bases-loaded walk. The Venezuelan lineup boasts considerable power and experience, making them a formidable opponent.
On the mound for Venezuela will be right-handed pitcher Enmanuel de Jesús (0-1, 0.00 ERA). De Jesús recently won a championship with Navegantes del Magallanes in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League. He has shown promise in spring training, and will be looking to carry that momentum into this crucial Classic matchup.
Israel, meanwhile, is making its third appearance in the World Baseball Classic. In 2023, they managed only one win in Group D, a victory over Nicaragua that secured their direct qualification for this year’s tournament. Brad Ausmus, who previously managed Israel during the 2012 qualifying rounds, will lead the team, bringing his experience as a former bench coach for the Recent York Yankees.
Ben Simon (0-0, 0.00 ERA) is slated to start for Israel. The right-handed pitcher has spent three seasons in the minor leagues with the New York Mets organization and has shown flashes of potential in spring training.
Confirmed Lineups
Venezuela
- Ronald Acuña Jr. | RF
- Maikel García | 3B
- Luis Arráez | 1B
- Salvador Pérez | C
- Eugenio Suárez | DH
- Wilyer Abreu | LF
- Gleyber Torres | 2B
- Javier Sanoja | CF
- Ezequiel Tovar | SS
Israel
(Lineup information not currently available)
What Time Does Venezuela vs. Israel Start Today?
- Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
- Time: 8:00 PM in Venezuela, 7:00 PM Eastern Time (ET)
- Venue: loanDepot Park, Miami, Florida
Where to Watch Venezuela vs. Israel LIVE
For fans across the Americas, several options are available to catch the game live:
- Television: Televen, Venevisión (Venezuela), One Baseball Network, FS2 (USA)
- Streaming: BeisbolPlay, Disney Plus LATAM
Fans in the United States can tune into FS2 for live television coverage, while those in Latin America can watch on Televen, Venevisión, or stream the game on BeisbolPlay and Disney Plus LATAM. This ensures broad accessibility for supporters of both teams.
The loanDepot Park is expected to be filled with a passionate Venezuelan fanbase, creating an electric atmosphere for this crucial contest. The game represents an early opportunity for Venezuela to assert their dominance in Group D and move closer to their goal of championship contention.
Israel, facing a tough opponent in Venezuela, will look to defy expectations and pull off an upset. Their success will depend on strong pitching from Ben Simon and timely hitting from their lineup. This game promises to be a thrilling encounter between two determined teams.
Following this game, both teams will continue their group stage schedules, with Venezuela facing Nicaragua and Israel taking on the Netherlands. The results of these games will be crucial in determining the final standings and which teams advance to the next round of the tournament.
Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, including game recaps, analysis, and exclusive interviews.
Next Up: Venezuela will face Nicaragua on [Date to be confirmed], while Israel will play the Netherlands on [Date to be confirmed].
What are your predictions for the Venezuela vs. Israel game? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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