Venezuela vs Nicaragua: How to Watch the 2026 World Baseball Classic Live
MIAMI – Venezuela continued its dominant run through the group stage of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, blanking Nicaragua 4-0 on Monday night at loanDepot Park. The victory secures Venezuela’s place in the next round and sets up a highly anticipated matchup against the Dominican Republic.
While the game was a showcase of Venezuela’s pitching depth – seven arms combined for the sixth shutout in the nation’s World Baseball Classic history – it was the bat of Ronald Acuña Jr. That provided the offensive spark. The Atlanta Braves superstar went 3-for-3 at the plate, launching his first home run of the tournament, driving in two runs, scoring twice, and even stealing a base. His performance was a clear indication of his focus, even with a crucial game against the Dominican Republic looming.
Despite the loss, Nicaragua put up a fight, outhitting Venezuela 7-5. However, their inability to capitalize on runners in scoring position proved to be their downfall, a familiar issue for the Central American squad. The defeat marks the complete of the road for Nicaragua in this year’s tournament, finishing with a 0-4 record under manager Dusty Baker.
The game was played on , and began at 8:00 p.m. Local time in Caracas, Venezuela. Fans in Venezuela could watch the game live on Venevisión, available on Channel 4 via traditional broadcast, as well as through cable operators Cabel Visión (Channel 6), Intercable (Channel 21), and DIRECTV (Simple TV, Channel 273).
For those seeking to stream the game, Venevisión Play offered a live broadcast accessible at venevisionplay.com. The Venevisión Play app is too available for iOS and Android devices, allowing fans to watch on their phones, tablets, or smart TVs, depending on regional availability. Viewers outside of Venezuela may require a VPN to access the full broadcast due to international broadcasting rights restrictions held by FOX in North America.
Venezuela’s pitching staff was the story of the night, consistently shutting down the Nicaraguan offense. While individual pitching statistics weren’t immediately available, the collective effort resulted in nine scoreless innings, a testament to the depth and quality of Venezuela’s pitching roster. The team’s ability to consistently deliver on the mound has been a key factor in their undefeated start to the tournament.
Acuña’s performance wasn’t just about the numbers; it was about the timing. His home run provided a crucial boost to Venezuela’s offense, which otherwise struggled to break through against Nicaragua’s pitching. His all-around contribution – hitting for average, power, and speed – exemplifies his status as one of the game’s brightest stars.
The upcoming game against the Dominican Republic, scheduled for at 8:00 p.m. ET, is shaping up to be a clash of Caribbean powerhouses. The winner will avoid a potentially difficult quarterfinal matchup against defending champion Japan. The stakes are high, and both teams will be looking to make a statement.
While Venezuela is riding high on its undefeated record, they know the Dominican Republic will present a significantly tougher challenge. The Dominican Republic boasts a roster filled with Major League talent and will be eager to prove their own dominance in the tournament. The game promises to be a thrilling contest, showcasing some of the best baseball players in the world.
For Nicaragua, the tournament ends with a sense of what could have been. Despite showing flashes of potential, their inability to consistently deliver with runners on base ultimately cost them. Manager Dusty Baker’s team fought hard, but ultimately fell short against some of the tournament’s top contenders.
Venezuela’s success in the early stages of the World Baseball Classic has energized fans back home and generated excitement about the team’s chances of winning the championship. With Acuña leading the way and a strong pitching staff, Venezuela is a legitimate contender in this year’s tournament. The game against the Dominican Republic will be a true test of their mettle, and the outcome will have significant implications for their path to the championship game.