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The Cuban Baseball Federation confirmed its participation in the upcoming World Baseball Classic while awaiting visas to the U.S.
“After signing the agreement that establishes the terms between the organizers and the qualified national federations, Cuba will participate in the VI World Baseball Classic, to be held from March 5 to 17, 2026,” reads a statement issued this Sunday.
In a diplomatic tone, the statement shifts the responsibility for the regime's team's assistance to U.S. immigration authorities.
"We hope that the U.S. authorities will ensure the visas that will allow us to participate in the tournament, without interference in this process from issues unrelated to the competition or contrary to the principles of sport," they warn.
The Federation also explains that an "initial list of 50 players has been prepared, including affiliates in Major League Baseball (MLB), the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), other professional leagues, and members of teams participating in the 64th National Series."
In that regard, they also say they are awaiting "the permits that the clubs must issue for the players from the MLB circuit."
"The Cuban Federation of Baseball and Softball is prepared to move forward in forming a competitive team that will have the honor of representing the Cuban people in the most important international selection event, inspired by the history of our national sport," they conclude.
Almost guaranteed presence
Regardless of the tone of the statement from the Cuban authorities, Cuba's participation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic appears to be practically assured, including the essential permission from the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States (OFAC), a key requirement for the Cuban team to compete in an event organized by entities under U.S. jurisdiction.
Multiple sources confirmed to specialized journalist Francys Romero that there will be no obstacles.
According to Romero, the Cuban Baseball Federation recently submitted a preliminary roster of 50 players, highlighting several names from Major League Baseball, such as Andy Pagés, Andy Ibáñez, Yoan Moncada, Yariel Rodríguez - a case that raises suspicion -, Daysbel Hernández, and Lázaro Estrada.
The presence of active players in MLB highlights the continuity of the controlled opening process initiated for the 2023 Classic, albeit under strict government supervision.
Veto on Cuban Americans: the government's red line
Despite the apparent institutional green light, the government maintains clear limitations on who can be part of the so-called "Team Cuba." Romero confirmed that Cuban-American players, including the talented shortstop from the Los Angeles Angels, Zach Neto, did not receive authorization from high political authorities to be called up.
This pattern of political exclusion reflects that, although Havana has been forced to relax its relationship with the sports diaspora, it continues to deny access to athletes born or trained in the United States who could elevate the competitive ceiling of the team. In other words, the selection process remains a project managed not only by sporting criteria but also by ideological control.
A promising roster, but limited by political decisions
The inclusion of MLB players could create one of the most talented Cuban teams presented at a World Classic in the last decade. However, the inability to add Cuban-American figures who have expressed their willingness to wear the Cuban jersey represents a hindrance to the team's real potential.
Meanwhile, sports authorities are working to finalize all formal requirements, which has historically been a crucial bureaucratic step for the participation of Cuban delegations in sports events organized from the United States.
Road to the 2026 Classic
With the approval nearly guaranteed and a roster that blends established figures with young talents, Cuba is set to compete in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. However, it will do so once again with a team shaped by decisions that go beyond the sport itself.
The lingering question is whether the team will be able to aim for a historic result despite the self-imposed limitations set by the government.
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