USA vs Brazil WBC 2026: Team USA Baseball Dominates Opener as Judge and Turang Shine at Daikin Park
Team USA baseball is off and running in Houston. Aaron Judge clubbed a two-run home run in the first inning of Team USA's 2026 World Baseball Classic opener against Brazil, and the Americans have not looked back since, building a commanding lead at Daikin Park. The USA vs Brazil WBC matchup is the most-anticipated pool play game of the opening weekend.
USA vs Brazil WBC Score: How the Game Unfolded
Brazil's 20-year-old Lucas Ramirez — son of former MLB star Manny Ramirez — led off the game by taking starter Logan Webb deep for a home run, giving Brazil an early 1-0 lead in a stunning opening moment.
Team USA responded immediately. After Bobby Witt Jr. reached base with an infield single, Aaron Judge worked a 3-0 count and launched a two-run shot to left-center 405 feet, giving the USA a 2-0 lead it would never relinquish. The capacity crowd at Daikin Park erupted on the play.
Brazil had difficulty adapting to the pitch clock early. Lucas Ramirez was called out for not returning to the batter's box in time in the third inning, and pitcher Gabriel Barbosa was called for a pitch clock violation that resulted in a walk to Roman Anthony.
Brice Turang Steals the Show for Team USA Baseball
Brice Turang hit his second double of the game to clear the bases and score three runs for the U.S., with Cal Raleigh, Roman Anthony, and Byron Buxton all coming around to score on the opposite-field drive off Daikin Park's left-field wall.
Turang's massive swing gave the USA a commanding 7-1 lead as the game entered the late innings. The Milwaukee Brewers second baseman entered the WBC as a lower-profile name on the USA roster and immediately emerged as a breakout story.
Roman Anthony added an RBI single in the eighth inning, driving in Aaron Judge, who had drawn a leadoff walk, to push the USA lead to eight runs.
Team USA Baseball Roster: Stars Delivering Early
Team USA's starting lineup against Brazil featured Bobby Witt Jr. at shortstop, Bryce Harper at first base, Aaron Judge in right field, Kyle Schwarber as DH, Alex Bregman at third base, Cal Raleigh catching, Roman Anthony in left field, Byron Buxton in center, and Brice Turang at second base.
Logan Webb pitched four innings, allowing one run on one hit while striking out six Brazil batters with no walks. Webb settled in after giving up the Ramirez homer and was dominant for the remainder of his outing.
Team USA's roster includes 22 MLB All-Stars — the most of any roster in this year's tournament. Manager Mark DeRosa has made no secret that this group is built specifically to avenge the 2023 WBC final loss to Japan.
Brazil WBC Roster and the Young Star Who Turned Heads
Brazil's WBC roster is a mix of MLB prospects and international talent. Brazil is making its second-ever appearance in the World Baseball Classic and its first since 2013.
Brazil starter Bo Takahashi struggled early, surrendering the Judge home run in the first inning. A second pitcher, Joseph Contreras — a 17-year-old phenom committed to Vanderbilt and son of former 11-year MLB pitcher José Contreras — came on in relief and touched 97 mph on his first pitch. Despite the scoreline, Brazil's young talent gave fans plenty to watch.
WBC Schedule, Where to Watch, and What's Next for USA
All 47 games of the 2026 World Baseball Classic are broadcast on Fox and affiliated networks including FS1, FS2, Fox Deportes, and Tubi, with streaming available through Fox One.
Team USA's next WBC game is Monday, March 9 against Mexico at 8 p.m. ET on Fox, followed by a matchup against Italy on Tuesday, March 10 at 9 p.m. ET on FS1. Pool play runs through March 11, with quarterfinals set for March 13 and 14.
The 2026 WBC Championship Game is scheduled for March 17 at loanDepot Park in Miami. Team USA baseball, after falling to Japan in the 2023 final, is back and looking every bit like the tournament favorite.
