The surprising loss by the United States to Italy in the World Baseball Classic on Tuesday night means that the Americans need help to advance to the quarterfinals.

The 2026 World Baseball Classic is underway. Following Japan’s 2023 WBC championship, the United States has been eagerly awaiting the chance for revenge. This year’s bracket is set up for the potential of a championship rematch.

United States manager Mark DeRosa put himself under the spotlight during the 2026 World Baseball Classic with comments suggesting he wasn't aware the Americans could still be eliminated in pool play going into Tuesday's contest against Italy,

Italy built a big lead and held on to stun the United States 8-6 in the WBC. After the game, U.S. manager Mark DeRosa said he "misspoke" in thinking the U.S. had already advanced.

Italy took a big lead early and rolled to a dominant 9-1 win over Mexico on Wednesday at Daikin Park in Houston. That eliminated Mexico and ensured that the United States reached the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic after its stunning loss to Italy on Tuesday.

The biggest hero in pool play for the United States during the 2026 World Baseball Classic wasn't Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper or Kyle Schwarber.