The United States had to stress over its spot in the 2026 World Baseball Classic quarterfinals and now faces Canada in the knockout stage of the tournament at Daikin Park in Houston on Friday.
"Not the situation we wanted to be in. But here we are on to Canada." USA pitcher Logan Webb, who takes the mound for the win-or-go-home game. "And we got three more to win."
The U.S. went 3-1 in pool play, beating Brazil, Great Britain and Mexico before losing to Italy in the finale that could have clinched the top spot in Pool B. The winner of the USA-Canada game will face South Korea or the Dominican Republic in the semifinals on Sunday, March 15 in Miami.
This is the first time Canada has advanced past the first round in six WBCs, finishing as the winner of a loaded Pool D that also featured Puerto Rico and Cuba in San Juan. The Canadians beat Colombia in their opener, lost to Panama and then beat Puerto Rico and Cuba to clinch their spot.
Here's a look at how USA TODAY Sports' baseball writers and editors see the game playing out on Friday:
