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Maikel Serrano and Alay Lago, two prominent Cuban baseball players, expressed their interest in representing the Nicaraguan national baseball team in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Both players, with extensive experience in regional tournaments, stated that their incorporation depends on the completion of a legal naturalization process and the interest of the Nicaraguan Baseball Federation (FENIBA).
These decisions were highlighted on social media X by journalist Yuseff Díaz. Maikel Serrano emphasized his enthusiasm and commitment, stating: “I am very interested in playing with Nicaragua in the World Baseball Classic. I am looking into how I can join the team.”
For his part, Alay Lago, who already has experience in the Nicaraguan professional baseball league with Tren del Norte—and was recognized as Most Valuable Player a couple of years ago—stated:
"I have the desire and intention to represent Nicaragua in the World Baseball Classic. Naturally, I want to participate, but it depends on the interest and whether I am given the opportunity. There is still nothing certain about being taken along, but there have been discussions regarding a future legal process to make me Nicaraguan."
It is worth noting that Nicaragua secured its ticket to the World Baseball Classic at the qualifying event held in Chinese Taipei. The event already has its 20 participating nations.
The possibility of these players joining the team revives an option in which naturalized foreign players have been part of the national selection, such as Venezuelans Wuilliam Vásquez and Luis Allen, or Dominican Gustavo Martínez. Additionally, during the pre-Classico qualifiers, American Chase Dawson, who resides in Nicaragua, was present.
The future of Serrano and Lago will largely depend on the interest and efforts of FENIBA to make their dream of representing Nicaragua a reality. In the meantime, fans are eager to see if these two Cuban talents will make their mark on the world stage.
The teams that will compete in the 2026 edition of the tournament are:
America: Puerto Rico, Cuba, Canada, Panama, United States, Mexico, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Colombia, and Brazil.
Europe: Italy, Great Britain, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands.
Asia and Oceania: Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Israel, and Australia.
Tournament format and structure
The tournament will be divided into four groups of five teams. Each team will face the other four teams in its group once, and the top two from each group will advance to the quarter-finals.
In the next phase, the qualifiers will compete in a cross-match: the first place from one group will face the second place from another.
The winners will advance to the semifinals, and the champion will then be determined in the grand final.
2026 World Baseball Classic Groups
Group A (San Juan, Puerto Rico): Puerto Rico, Cuba, Panama, Canada, and a qualified team.
Group B (Houston, USA): United States, Mexico, Italy, Great Britain, and one qualified team.
Group C (Miami, USA): Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Netherlands, Israel, and a qualifying team.
Group D (Tokyo, Japan): Japan, South Korea, Czech Republic, Australia, and a qualified team.
Key dates for the 2026 World Baseball Classic
The event will start on Thursday, March 5, 2026, and will culminate in the grand final on Tuesday, March 17. Throughout those 13 days, it will bring together the best teams from around the world in pursuit of the title currently held by Japan.
The World Baseball Classic is the most prestigious international competition in the sport, where teams seek to showcase their dominance and talent on the diamond.
In the coming months, the official groups will be defined, along with the game schedule and the final phase, as baseball fans eagerly await the start of the tournament that will crown the best team in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Baseball Players in the 2026 World Baseball Classic
Why do Maikel Serrano and Alay Lago want to play with Nicaragua in the 2026 World Baseball Classic?
Maikel Serrano and Alay Lago wish to represent Nicaragua in the 2026 World Baseball Classic due to their personal interest and the opportunity provided by FENIBA. Serrano has expressed his enthusiasm and is researching the process to join the team, while Lago has already played in the Nicaraguan league and is in the process of naturalization.
What are the necessary steps for Serrano and Lago to play with Nicaragua in the World Baseball Classic?
To play with Nicaragua, Serrano and Lago would need to complete a naturalization process and have FENIBA express interest in their participation. Additionally, they must meet the legal requirements established by the Nicaraguan authorities and receive approval from the tournament organization.
What is the history of foreign players in the Nicaraguan national baseball team?
The Nicaragua national team has previously included naturalized foreign players, such as Venezuelans Wuilliam Vásquez and Luis Allen, and Dominican Gustavo Martínez. This precedent shows that Nicaragua has been open to incorporating international talents into its national team, which could facilitate the inclusion of Serrano and Lago.
When will the 2026 World Baseball Classic take place and what is its format?
The 2026 World Baseball Classic will be held from March 5 to March 17, 2026. The tournament will be divided into four groups of five teams each. Each team will play against the other four teams in their group, and the top two will advance to the quarterfinals. The winners of the quarterfinals will move on to the semifinals, and the champion will be determined in the final.
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