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Team USA’s dramatic victory over the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) on Sunday night broke viewership records, FOX Sports said Tuesday.
The game drew 7,369,000 viewers on FS1 and FOX Deportes, making it the most-watched WBC telecast ever on any network. The semifinal matchup went head-to-head against the Academy Awards, which drew 17.9 million viewers, but was down 9% from 2025 and drew the fewest viewers since 2022.
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USA’s Gunnar Henderson gestures to his teammates after hitting a home run during the fourth inning of a World Baseball Classic semifinal game against the Dominican Republic, Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The high-stakes game between the USA and the Dominican Republic came to a head as Roman Anthony and Gunnar Henderson led the team to victory. The game also ended on a controversial strike three call that appeared to be out of the zone.
Regardless, FOX Sports said the FS1 broadcast itself drew 6,864,000 viewers. It was FS1’s most-watched broadcast since 2019 and ninth all-time. FOX Sports said the game was the most-watched sporting event of the weekend.
Dominican Republic’s Geraldo Perdomo reacts after striking out in the bottom of the ninth inning in a World Baseball Classic semifinal game against the United States, Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
VENEZUELA HERO EUGENIO SUAREZ TAKES FAITH AFTER SHOCKING TEAM USA: ‘ALL THE LORD IS TO THE LORD JESUS’
Ratings for the USA vs. Venezuela game will be released later this week. Team USA couldn’t find a way to win against Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic final.
Eugenio Suarez delivered the go-ahead RBI in the top of the ninth inning after Bryce Harper tied the game in the eighth inning with a two-run home run.
Team USA celebrates after defeating the Dominican Republic in a World Baseball Classic semifinal, Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
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It was Venezuela’s first World Baseball Classic victory.
