Naija Sports Update: World Baseball Classic Hits a Home Run in the US The 2026 World Baseball Classic is heating up in the US, and things are about to get interesting for Nigerian sports fans. Team USA, one of the favorites to win the title, has made it to the semifinals after a tense 5-3 win over Canada on Friday night in Houston. The American team will now face off against the undefeated Dominican Republic, who has been on a roll, crushing Korea 10-0 on Friday night. This match-up is expected to be the highlight of the tournament so far, with both teams looking to make it to the championship game. Paul Skenes will be pitching for the US against the Dominican Republic's star-studded lineup. On the other side of the bracket, Italy, Puerto Rico, Japan, and Venezuela will face off in quarterfinal matches on Saturday. Italy, which beat Team USA earlier in the week, will take on Puerto Rico, while Venezuela will try to upset Japan, the reigning champion. Japan is led by the talented Shohei Ohtani. Here's a look at the 2026 World Baseball Classic bracket: 2026 World Baseball Classic Bracket Pool B: Team USA's path to the semifinals was not an easy one. They finished second in their group, going 3-1 in pool play. They won convincingly against Brazil and Great Britain before edging out Mexico in a close game. However, they suffered a shock defeat to Italy on Tuesday, which set up a scenario where their quarterfinal fate was out of their hands. Luckily, Italy beat Mexico to earn first place in Pool B, securing Team USA's spot in the semifinals. The quarterfinals and semifinals will be held in Miami, with the championship game set for Tuesday. With the US and Dominican Republic facing off in the semifinals, things are about to get exciting for baseball fans around the world. For Nigerian sports fans, the World Baseball Classic may not be a familiar event, but it's definitely one to watch. The tournament features the best baseball teams from around the world, and the competition is fierce. Who will emerge as the champion? Stay tuned to find out!