This is what Team USA needs to avoid 2026 World Baseball Classic exit after Italy shocks host: Scenarios to stay alive in the WBC

The night in Houston began like an earthquake and ended with a historic jolt. Italy delivered one of the biggest shocks of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, defeating the United States 8–6 and surviving a late comeback that kept the stadium on edge until the final pitch.

For six innings the game was an Italian monologue. With explosive offense and steady pitching, the Azzurri silenced the tournament favorite and surged to an 8–0 lead that stunned the crowd. Kyle Teel opened the scoring with a home run in the second inning, and shortly afterward Sam Antonacci added a two-run shot. The heaviest blow came in the fourth, when Jac Caglianone launched another homer to extend the lead to 5–0.

Italy kept piling on and eventually built an eight-run advantage that looked insurmountable. Meanwhile, American starter Nolan McLean and the bullpen struggled to contain an Italian lineup that punished every defensive mistake and every elevated pitch.

The comeback that almost changed everything

But the United States roster has too much talent to fade quietly. The rally began in the sixth inning, when Gunnar Henderson blasted a home run that electrified the crowd and finally put the Americans on the board.

The real turning point came an inning later. Pete Crow-Armstrong crushed a three-run homer that breathed life back into Team USA and transformed what looked like a settled game into a tense finish.

Pressure shifted immediately to the Italian bullpen. The United States kept chipping away with an RBI single from Roman Anthony, and another home run from Crow-Armstrong in the ninth cut the deficit to 8–6 and brought the stadium to its feet.

A dramatic ending

With the tying run within reach, the decisive moment fell to the team’s biggest stars. First Bryce Harper came to the plate but failed to drive in another run, leaving runners stranded.

Then it was Aaron Judge – the team captain and symbol of the American offense. This time there was no miracle. The slugger struck out, sealing the game and sending Italy into celebration on the diamond.

Shock to the group

The result shakes up Group B of the tournament. Italy remains unbeaten after victories over Brazil, Great Britain and now the United States, while the American team must now rely on combinations and potential tiebreakers to secure a place in the quarterfinals. In Wednesday’s game between Italy and Mexico Team USA knows it will advance if Italy beats Mexico. If not, progression will be secured if Mexico allows 6+ runs or Italy allows 5+ runs.

For Italy, however, the win means far more than a single victory. On a night that already belongs in its international baseball history, the Azzurri toppled the giant – and held firm until the very last out.

Related stories

MLB

Paul Skenes and Livvy Dunne's dating timeline

World Baseball Classic

A look at Team USA's history in the WBC

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.