U.S. baseball team faces elimination after 8-6 loss to Italy in World Baseball Classic.

The United States baseball team faces elimination from the 2026 World Baseball Classic after a surprising 8-6 loss to Italy, dropping to 3-1 in Pool B. Italy, led by three home runs, built an 8-0 lead before a late U.S. rally, but the Americans couldn’t overcome the deficit. Advancement now depends on Italy defeating Mexico on Wednesday, with the U.S. needing either an Italian win or a Mexican victory by five runs or fewer while allowing at least six runs. Tiebreakers, based on head-to-head record and runs per out, will determine qualification if teams tie.