Team USA Needs Help To Advance in the World Baseball Classic

Three years can make a world of difference in international baseball.

The United States advanced to the final of the 2023 World Baseball Classic, losing to Japan on home soil in a tense 3-2 thriller of a championship game. In 2026, the United States is on the precipice of potential elimination after an embarrassing loss in their final game of pool play.

Tuesday's loss to Italy now means that the destiny of the United States rests in the results of Wednesday's final day of pool action. Team USA will need external help to advance to the quarterfinals of this year's event, and here's what will need to happen in order for them to get there.

How Did Team USA Get Here?

The United States' fate relies on the result of one game on Wednesday night, the Italy-Mexico matchup at Daikin Park in Houston. Italy is undefeated in pool play, a perfect 3-0 after Tuesday's huge win over Team USA.

The Italian team dominated the American pitching staff, putting up eight runs through the first six innings. Team USA scored its first run in the bottom of the sixth and would pull within two runs to end the night, but Italy walked away with the victory.

"Despite having the major league players that we have on this team and the high prospects and all that type of stuff, nobody on this team comes in with an ego, expecting to be treated differently because who they are, what they've done throughout their career," said Italy and Kansas City Royals outfielder Jac Caglianone after Tuesday's upset win.

 "And I think that's something that a lot of these guys are going to take pride in. You kind of put whatever you did aside, and we're all fighting for one common goal, and that's to win and to keep going as long as we can and wear this uniform."

Scenarios for Team USA on Wednesday Night

If Italy wins again on Wednesday night, the United States will advance to the quarterfinal round. If Mexico defeats Italy and scores five or more runs in nine innings, all three teams would finish 3-1 in pool play. In this scenario, Mexico and Team USA would each advance through the tiebreaker.

If Mexico defeats Italy and scores four or fewer runs throughout nine innings, Mexico and Italy would each advance through the tiebreaker.

Team USA entered as the odds-on favorites to win this year's World Baseball Classic, followed by the Dominican Republic and reigning champions Japan. Many believe that the current USA roster is the best the country has ever sent to the event, with stars like Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, Bobby Witt Jr. and Cal Raleigh.

The Americans were undefeated through their first three games of pool play, but they'll have to wait to see if they've done enough to find their way into the knockout stages of the tournament.

Fans can tune in to Italy vs. Mexico - and find out the fate of Team USA - on Fox Sports 1 at 7 PM ET.