Most of Italy’s players were born in the United States but chose to represent the European nation because there were not enough spots available on Team USA for everyone in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

The U.S. is done with pool play and needs the Italians to beat Mexico Wednesday night to be guaranteed a spot in the quarterfinals.

What a huge surprise. And I’m not talking about Bam Adebayo’s 83 points with the Miami Heat… Last night, the Americans faced off against the Italians (a

HOUSTON (AP) — 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 8-6 defeat left the team with a 3-1 record at the end of its pool schedule.

First Period_1. United States, Megan Keller (Laila Edwards and Alex Carpenter), 13:31. Penalties_Nadia Mattivi, Italy (illegal hit), 3:09. Gwyneth Philips, United States (delaying the game served by Hilary Knight), 11:40. Lara Lobis, Italy (boarding), 13:16.

Before last night’s (Wednesday) World Baseball Classic game between Italy and Mexico, the United States had several ways to qualify for the quarterfinals, but the simplest was this: if Italy won, the Americans would advance to the next round.

The United States women’s basketball team will face off against Italy in their third game of the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup qualifying tournament. For Italy, the roster is comprised of all Italian professional club team players,

Team USA and the Dominican Republic square off in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals on Sunday, with a spot on the tournament's championship game on the line. The Americans are 4-1 in this WBC,