Bill Plaschke used to ignore the World Baseball Classic, but he has been wowed by the dramatic tournament that feels bigger than the World Series.

One side of the bracket features two heavyweights in the Dominican Republic and Team USA, star-studded squads that charted very different paths to the penultimate round. The D.R. steamrollered most of its five opponents, while the Americans have looked only on occasion like the powerhouse they are on paper.

Team USA hung on to beat Canada 5-3 and reach the WBC semifinals.

Team USA defeats Canada 5-3 in 2026 World Baseball Classic quarterfinals, marking the third U.S. victory over Canada in major international competition in the past month.

The final day of pool play at the World Baseball Classic is over, and the United States is moving on after all. In the first game Wednesday, Canada defeated Cuba 7-2 to advance to the quarterfinals, eliminate Cuba and surpass Puerto Rico to win Pool A.

USA baseball's showdown against DR will decide a spot in the WBC title game

FORT MYERS, FLA. – Joe Ryan threw a 23-pitch bullpen session March 14, which he said felt great, but he is no longer expected to pitch for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. Ryan was in the designated pitcher pool for Team USA,