Venezuela: Venezuela claims first-ever World Baseball Classic title with win over US

SHOTLIST: CARACAS, VENEZUELA (MARCH 18, 2026) (NIGHT SHOTS) 1. BASEBALL TEAM MEMBERS HOLDING TROPHY 2. VENEZUELANS WAVING FLAGS AS THEY CELEBRATE 3. BASEBALL TEAM MEMBERS SINGING NATIONAL ANTHEM (TWO SHOTS) 4. VENEZUELAN INTERIM PRESIDENT DELCY RODRIGUEZ SPEAKING (Spanish) 5. VENEZUELANS CELEBRATING VICTORY AT STREET (TWO SHOTS) 6. VARIOUS OF MOTORCADE OF MOTORCYCLES DURING CELEBRATION 7. VARIOUS OF CELEBRATIONS 8. FIREWORKS LIGHTING SKYCARACAS, VENEZUELA - MARCH 18, 2026: Massive celebrations erupted across the Venezuelan capital after the national team secured its first-ever World Baseball Classic title, defeating the United States 3–2 in a thrilling final on Wednesday, March 18. The historic victory in Caracas sparked nationwide jubilation. Fans flooded the streets immediately following the final out, waving national flags and chanting slogans. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez and government officials formally received the championship trophy at the Miraflores Palace on Thursday. The ceremony marked a rare moment of national unity, with Rodríguez praising the team’s "historic triumph" on the global stage. The celebrations moved to the streets in the evening as the trophy was paraded through the city in a motorized convoy. The procession ended at Plaza de la Juventud, where thousands of fans gathered for a live concert and fireworks display. On Monday, US President Donald Trump quipped that Venezuela could become the 51st state of the US after its team defeated Italy in a World Baseball Classic semifinal. "Wow! Venezuela defeated Italy tonight, 4-2, in the WBC (Baseball!) Semifinal. They are looking really great. "Good things are happening to Venezuela lately! I wonder what this magic is all about? STATEHOOD, #51, ANYONE?" Trump said on his Truth Social platform. After months of heightened tensions, the US captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3, triggering a series of developments, including Vice President Delcy Rodriguez being sworn in as Venezuela’s interim president, changes to the country’s flagship oil law and the release of some political prisoners. Trump had previously urged Canada to become the 51st state of the US.