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Team Canada Gameday vs USA: Canada looks to beat USA in first ever knockout stage game
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Photo credit: © Kim Klement Neitzel - Imagn Images
Ryley Delaney
Mar 13, 2026, 18:00 EDTUpdated: Mar 13, 2026, 17:59 EDT
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Team Canada will play the biggest game in its history once again.
After a loss to Panama in the second of four games during the group stage, Canada’s hopes of making the knockout stage looked bleak. However, they rattled off a 3-2 victory over Puerto Rico to position them to win Pool A, followed by a do-or-die victory over Cuba to achieve something they’ve never done: make it out of the group stage.
One thing they have done before is upset their opponent on Friday, the United States. In the first World Baseball Classic all the way back in 2006, Canada matched up against the powerhouse, defeating them 8-6. Unfortunately, Canada lost the tiebreaker, finishing third in the group.
The 2026 WBC was the first time in Canada’s history that the United States weren’t in their group. That’s a good thing, as games since 2006 have gone in favour of the neighbours down south. Three years later, Canada fell 6-5, then 9-4 in 2013, 8-0 in 2017, and 12-1 in 2023.
There’s also another reason why this game is so important to Canadian sporting fans. Last month, Team Canada were the favourites to win the gold medal in both the women’s and men’s hockey tournaments in the Olympics. Team USA came away with both gold medals thanks to a pair of overtime victories. You know that the baseball team is looking to avenge those two losses.
Starting for Canada is Michael Soroka, the best starter Canada has at the tournament. The 28-year-old made his first start in the tournament opener, going three innings with one earned run allowed with two strikeouts in what turned out to be an 8-2 victory. That’s good, but he’ll need to be even better against an incredibly dangerous USA lineup.
That said, Canada has a few dangerous hitters of their own. Top Canada prospect Owen Caissie has been terrific, slashing .500/.529/.929 with a home run in 17 plate appearances. Abraham Toro has had some clutch hits this tournament, with his five RBIs being tied for 10th (alongside Caissie) for the tournament. You can never discredit Josh Naylor’s power either, even if Canada’s captain hasn’t gotten going yet.
Location: Daikin Park – Houston, Texas
First Pitch: 8:00 PM EST
Watch/Listen: Sportsnet & FOX / MLB Audio

Starting pitchers:

Team Canada – Michael Soroka (RHP)
Team USA – Logan Webb (RHP)

Lineups: 

Canada:
TBA
United States:
1. Bobby Witt Jr. – SS
2. Bryce Harper – 1B
3. Aaron Judge – RF
4. Kyle Schwarber – DH
5. Alex Bregman – 3B
6. Roman Anthony – LF
7. Cal Raleigh – C
8. Brice Turang – 2B
9. Pete Crow-Armstrong – CF
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, Oilersnation, and FlamesNation. She can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.

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