What does Mexico need to advance to the next round of the WBC?

The Mexican team will have a key duel on Wednesday against Italy, at the close of the group stage of the World Baseball Classic

The undefeated passage of the Mexican National Team in it World Baseball Classic 2026 by losing 3-5 to USA. The defeat he suffered Mexico It does not diminish their aspirations to qualify for the Quarterfinals, but it does leave them in a scenario of an elimination game for next Wednesday.

The defeat comes down to Mexico of the triple tie that existed in the leadership of the Group B before starting this game. With the victory, USA They are running with a 3-0 record, but at the moment their stay in the next round of the international tournament is not yet assured. In that same sense, Mexico He is not eliminated either due to the loss to the American contingent, but he has to risk his life next Wednesday night against Italy.

To win next Wednesday against Italy, Mexico will seal its pass to the Quarterfinals as the second place in the Group B and his rival would be first place in Group A, a sector that is being disputed at the Hiram Britton in Puerto Rico.

The situation could become even more complicated and a three-way tie could be sought, in case on Tuesday night, Italy defeat USA. In that situation, Mexico They would have to beat Italy no matter what and appeal to the triple tiebreaker issue, since the three teams would be left with a 3-1 record. This circumstance has already been experienced by Mexican National Team in the 2017 World Baseball Classic when they played at home in Guadalajara and the tricolor team was marginalized.

Mexico sends Javier Asad against Italy

Benjamin Gil announced during the press conference after the match against USA to his starting pitcher to play the classification against Italy.

Javier Assad will have its second opening of the WBC 2026 this Wednesday in the win or die game that the Mexican National Team will have.

Assad He pitched against Great Britain for 3.1 innings, maintaining the shutout and because he exceeded 50 pitches, he had to rest four days. The Tijuana pitcher has shined in his appearances World Baseball Classic In the two editions he has participated, he has pitched in 9.1 innings with no earned runs received, four hits, no walks awarded and struck out eight of his rivals.