Venezuela vs Japan: How to Watch the 2026 World Baseball Classic Quarterfinals & Full Schedule

The first round of the 2026 World Baseball Classic is complete and Venezuela has advanced to the quarterfinals. However, following a loss to the Dominican Republic, they face a daunting challenge: a matchup against Japan. The game is scheduled for Saturday, March 14th, at loanDepot park in Miami, with the winner advancing to face the victor of the Puerto Rico vs. Italy quarterfinal.

The other two quarterfinal matchups are Korea vs. The Dominican Republic and the United States vs. Canada. Those games will be played on Friday, March 13th, with the tournament shifting to the United States – specifically Miami and Texas – for these rounds.

Should Venezuela, led by Ronald Acuña Jr., manage to reach a hypothetical semifinal, they would play on March 16th in Miami. The other semifinal would be held a day earlier, on March 15th. The World Baseball Classic final is slated for March 17th at 8:00 pm (Venezuelan time) in Florida.

How and Where to Watch the World Baseball Classic Quarterfinals

Venezuela, finishing second in Group D, will take on Japan, featuring Shohei Ohtani, in a bid to pull off an upset in the Classic. First pitch is set for 9:00 pm at loanDepot park in Miami and will be broadcast on ESPN, IVC, ByM Sport, Televen, Venevisión, 1 Baseball, Beisbol Play, and Disney+.

Friday, March 13th

Korea vs. Dominican Republic (6:30 pm, played in Texas) – IVC, 1 Baseball, Beisbol Play, and Disney+

United States vs. Canada (8:00 pm, played in Miami) – 1 Baseball, Beisbol Play, and Disney+

Saturday, March 14th

Puerto Rico vs. Italy (3:00 pm, played in Texas) – IVC, 1 Baseball, Beisbol Play, and Disney+

Venezuela vs. Japan (9:00 pm, played in Miami) – ESPN, IVC, Televen, ByM Sport, Venevisión, 1 Baseball, Beisbol Play, and Disney+

Venezuela’s path to the quarterfinals wasn’t without its challenges. They fell to the Dominican Republic 7-5 on Wednesday, March 11th, a game marked by Dominican offensive power that was evident from the first inning. Juan Soto’s second home run of the tournament, a shot to center field, quickly put the Dominican Republic on the board, scoring both himself and Ketel Marte. Venezuela responded immediately, with Willson Contreras driving in Maikel García, and Luis Arráez advancing to second, narrowing the gap.

The Dominican Republic extended their lead in the third inning with home runs from Ketel Marte and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. However, Venezuela battled back in the bottom of the third, with Maikel García doubling to center field to score Ronald Acuña Jr., followed by Luis Arráez’s double to right field, bringing García home and closing the gap once more.

a decisive blow came in the fourth inning when Fernando Tatis Jr. Hit a home run with Austin Wells and Geraldo Perdomo on base, widening the Dominican advantage. Despite Venezuela’s attempts to rally late in the game, the Dominican Republic held on for the 7-5 victory.

Now, Venezuela turns its attention to Japan, a team considered by many to be the favorite to win the entire tournament. Shohei Ohtani will be on the mound for Japan, adding another layer of difficulty for the Venezuelan lineup. Ranger Suárez is expected to start for Venezuela.

This quarterfinal matchup presents a significant hurdle for Venezuela. Japan finished the first round undefeated and boasts a formidable roster. The game promises to be a compelling contest between two of the tournament’s strongest teams.

Following the quarterfinal games on Friday, the tournament will continue in Miami and Texas, culminating in the final on March 17th. Fans can follow all the action on the networks listed above, as well as through official tournament updates and reports from Archysport.com.

The stakes are high as Venezuela looks to continue its run in the World Baseball Classic. A win against Japan would propel them closer to a potential championship, even as a loss would end their tournament journey. All eyes will be on loanDepot park on Saturday night as these two baseball powerhouses clash.