NEWS: World Baseball Classic opening weekend has big wins for Dominican, Puerto Rican teams

The 2026 World Baseball Classic’s opening weekend featured several key matchups from March 6–8 between teams from across Latin America including the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Panama, Venezuela, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Colombia and Nicaragua.

Early games across pool play produced both tight contests and lopsided results as several contenders jumped out with strong starts, including a big four-homer win by the Dominican Republic team.

March 6 marked the opening day for several teams. Cuba’s first game was a 3–1 win over Panama, powered by early home runs from Yoelkis Guibert and Yoan Moncada, while reliever Livan Moinelo delivered 3⅔ scoreless innings to secure the victory.

Venezuela also started strong, defeating the Netherlands 6–2, highlighted by a two-run single from Willson Contreras during a decisive four-run fifth inning.

In another matchup, Mexico beat Great Britain 8–2, with Jonathan Aranda homering and driving in three runs as the Mexican pitching staff limited Britain’s offense.

Meanwhile, Puerto Rico blanked Colombia 5–0 behind strong pitching from Seth Lugo and closer Edwin Díaz.

Action continued March 7, with teams jockeying for position in their pools. Venezuela improved its standing while several teams prepared for key matchups that would determine early tournament momentum. Panama battled in close games as the Pool A standings began to tighten.

On March 8, the offense exploded in several contests. Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Junior Caminero and Yankees catcher Austin Wells — whose mother’s family is Dominican — all homered as the Dominican team beat the Netherlands 12-1 in Group D play.

Cuba defeated Colombia 7–4, remaining unbeaten thanks to home runs by Ariel Martínez and Erisbel Arruebarrena and a two-run triple from Yiddi Cappe.

Mexico dominated Brazil 16–0 in a victory highlighted by four RBIs from catcher Alejandro Kirk. Panama edged Canada 4–3 after capitalizing on defensive errors in a three-run sixth inning. Israel shut out Nicaragua 5–0, holding the Nicaraguan lineup to just two hits.

Through the first weekend, Puerto Rico and Cuba were 2-0 atop the Pool A teams; Mexico, the U.S. and Italy were 2-0 in Pool B; Japan, the 2023 WBC champs was 3-0 in Pool C, and Mexico and Venezuela were both 2-0 in Pool D.

Colombia, Nicaragua and Brazil were eliminated from the tourney with 0-3 records.