Uncertainty looms over Cuba's participation in the sixth edition of the World Baseball Classic. While other teams have already submitted their preliminary rosters of 50 players, the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation (FCBS) has expressed concerns, claiming that they have not yet received the official invitation from Major League Baseball (MLB) to proceed with this requirement.
In a recent official statement, the FCBS asserted that "the event organizers have indicated that, despite requesting it well in advance, they have not received U.S. government approval necessary for Cuba's participation." The Cuban entity described this situation as discriminatory and a violation of the basic rights of their players.
The statement emphasized that "U.S. regulations preventing our athletes from attending the event contradict the spirit of sportsmanship." It also criticized the process for its "unjustified delay creating uncertainties and affecting the technical preparation" of the Cuban roster.
Cuba's Claim for Sports Legitimacy
Beyond the sporting aspect, the federation views the delay as a political gesture: "Our country has been subjected to unfair, unequal, and politically motivated treatment, which is incompatible with the principles of respect, fairness, and transparency that should govern any international competition."
The document also highlights the accomplishments and the earned rights of its players on the field. "Cuba does not ask for privileges. Cuban players have earned, on the field, their right to participate in the sixth World Baseball Classic. Our sports history, marked by Olympic feats, world championships, and a globally admired pool of athletes, grants us competitive legitimacy," it argues.
The Federation insists that neither bureaucratic maneuvers nor political decisions will suppress the island's passion for baseball. "The talent, passion, and commitment of Cuba to the sport will not be subdued by bureaucratic maneuvers or political exclusions. We will continue to defend our athletes' right to represent Cuba on equal terms," the statement concludes.
Political Reaction: Díaz-Canel's Accusation
Thus far, there have been no official announcements on social media from the event confirming or denying Cuba's exclusion from the World Baseball Classic. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel recently spoke out about the alleged exclusion of Cuba from the Classic.
"Once again, the U.S. penalizes baseball. They have not approved #Cuba's participation in the sixth World Classic, while other teams have already submitted their rosters. Unacceptable!" he posted on X. "It is a political exclusion that undermines the spirit of the sport. We deserve equal conditions," he added.
The question remains: Has Cuba been excluded from the World Baseball Classic due to political reasons? For both the Cuban federation and the government, the answer is already yes.
Implications of Cuba's Potential Exit from the Classic
Cuba was set to compete in Group A of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, alongside Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, and Colombia. This group has been dubbed the "group of death" due to the high competitive level of the participating teams. All of Cuba's rivals boast active MLB players and athletes from other top-tier leagues, promising an extremely competitive first round for the Cuban team.
In June, it was announced that Germán Mesa had been appointed as the manager of the Cuban team for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. In his initial statements, the manager expressed gratitude for the position and stated that he would begin his work immediately, with the Americas Cup in November as the first official commitment.
Among his primary responsibilities would be contacting professional Cuban players—both within Cuba and abroad—based on a prior assessment by the Federation, as well as defining the training system and critical path to various international tournaments. With 20 teams invited, the 2026 World Baseball Classic is scheduled to start on March 5 and conclude on March 17, with the grand finale at LoanDepot Park in Miami.
The group stages will take place at different venues, with San Juan, Puerto Rico, serving as the host for Group A, where Cuba was set to compete.
Key Dates of the Tournament
The tournament begins (Group B - Tokyo) on March 5. The rest of the groups begin on March 6. Quarterfinals are set for March 13 and 14 in Houston and Miami. Semifinals will be held on March 15 and 16 in Miami. The final takes place on March 17 at LoanDepot Park in Miami, the same venue where Japan claimed victory in 2023.
Cuba's Exclusion from World Baseball Classic: Key Questions
Why hasn't Cuba received the MLB invitation for the World Baseball Classic?
According to the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation, the event organizers have not received U.S. government approval for Cuba's participation, which is necessary for extending an invitation.
What reasons does the Cuban federation give for the delay?
The Cuban federation criticizes the delay as politically motivated, labeling it discriminatory and a violation of basic rights, which contradicts the spirit of sportsmanship.
What are the potential consequences of Cuba's exclusion from the Classic?
If excluded, Cuba would miss competing in a highly competitive Group A, which includes teams with MLB players, diminishing their opportunity for international exposure and challenge.