![Defending champion Japan was knocked out of the 2026 World Baseball Classic in a surprise loss. [Photo=Yonhap·Reuters]](https://image.ajunews.com/content/image/2026/03/15/20260315151910787007.jpg)
Japan fell 8-5 to Venezuela on March 15 (Korea time) at loanDepot park in Miami.
Japan, the 2023 WBC champion, saw its tournament end in the quarterfinals. It was the first time Japan has been eliminated at this stage in WBC history, after winning the title three times (2006, 2009 and 2023).
Venezuela tagged Japan for 10 hits, including three home runs. A go-ahead three-run homer in the sixth inning proved decisive.
With the win, Venezuela reached the WBC semifinals for the first time since 2009, when it lost 10-2 to South Korea.
Venezuela will play Italy on March 17 at the same venue. Italy advanced to the WBC semifinals for the first time; its previous best finish was a quarterfinal appearance in 2023.
Italy beat Puerto Rico 8-6 in a quarterfinal at Daikin Park in Houston.
On the other side of the bracket, the Dominican Republic, which routed South Korea 10-0, will meet the United States, which edged Canada 5-3, on March 16 for a place in the final.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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