Dominican Republic and Venezuela Celebrate Historic Qualification for LA28 Olympic Games The Dominican Republic and Venezuela have become the first teams across all sports to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, marking a significant milestone in Olympic history. Their advancement to the semifinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic secured their spots in the LA28 program, which features 36 sports and 51 disciplines. This achievement highlights the competitive nature of baseball and its role in paving the way for other sports to follow suit. The Dominican Republic, a two-time world champion, secured its qualification with a dominant 10–0 victory over South Korea in the quarterfinals. The win was celebrated as a historic moment for the nation, with players and fans expressing pride in their representation. Seattle Mariners star Julio Rodríguez, who helped the team win bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, described the atmosphere as "the most electric game" he had ever been part of. He emphasized the emotional weight of competing for his country, stating, "This is for my country, my town, my neighborhood, and everyone in the Dominican Republic." Manager Albert Pujols, a former MLB legend who never played in the Olympics, echoed this sentiment, calling it "a privilege and a responsibility we carry with great pride." Venezuela, a three-time world champion, followed suit with a landmark victory over Japan, the defending world champions, in the quarterfinals. This win marked the first time Venezuela would compete in Olympic baseball, a moment described by manager Omar López as "historic." President of the Venezuelan Baseball Federation, Aracelis León, highlighted the cultural significance of baseball in her country, stating it "means identity, family, unity, ethics, and national pride.#venezuela #dominican_republic #los_angeles_2028 #julio_rodriguez #albert_pujols
