Netherlands vs Venezuela Preview & Prediction | 2026 World Baseball Classic | Pool Stage

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

A potentially dangerous Netherlands takes on a Venezuela team filled with exciting young MLB stars.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / USA – Not televised / Japan – Netflix Japan

How to watch online: UK – Cannot be streamed / USA – Tubi / Japan – Netflix Japan

Netherlands vs Venezuela prediction

This will be a match worth watching when taking into account the players suiting up for both nations. Netherlands will combine the youth of lights out center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela with the experience of in fielders Ozzie Albies, Xander Bogaerts and Didi Gregorious, not to mention the pitching skills of long-time MLB closer Kenley Jansen. The worry though, is that the defence aside from Rafaela, could be a little exposed and that the starting pitching is weak on paper.

Venezuela are a nation to really watch as they have so much talent and all the tools capable of making a deep run in this competition. In Ranger Suarez they boast a certified ace on the mound and in Milwaukee Brewers’ Jackson Chourio, a player with a bat capable of stealing the show across the entire competition. Not to mention a former National League MVP in Atlanta Braves’ Ronald Acuna Jr.

Salvador Perez and William Contreras are a catching duo capable of rivalling USA’s Cal Raleigh and Will Smith, whilst in Andres Gimenez and Daniel Palencia, the bullpen won’t be short of gas. Make no mistake, Venezuela are firmly in the dark horse category and backing them to triumph over Netherlands is a move worth making.

Netherlands vs Venezuela tip: Venezuela to win