The relocation of the 2026 Caribbean Series to Guadalajara, Mexico, marks another setback for Cuban baseball, as the nation is officially excluded from the tournament following an inability to host the event in Venezuela.
According to ESPN, the Caribbean Professional Baseball Confederation (CPBC) confirmed that the 2026 edition will be held from February 1 to February 8 at the Estadio Panamericano, home of the Charros de Jalisco. This decision came after the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Mexico declined to travel to Caracas due to "external circumstances beyond their control." This non-sporting decision necessitated a change in both location and tournament format.
Under the newly approved format by the CPBC, the champions from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, along with Panama as an invited country, and two teams from Mexico, specifically the finalists of the Mexican Pacific League 2025-2026, will participate.
In this scenario, Cuba has been left out of the competition, similar to the current status of the Venezuelan league champion, whose participation remains "under evaluation," as noted by the Pelota Cubana page on Facebook.
Cuba's absence from the 2026 Caribbean Series extends its hiatus from the premier Caribbean professional baseball event, despite the island's historical significance in the sport's development throughout the region. This exclusion is not due to athletic performance but is a consequence of ongoing institutional and political changes that continue to impact Cuba's presence in high-level tournaments.
Guadalajara had previously replaced Venezuela as the host in 2018, when it held the tournament originally set for Barquisimeto. Eight years later, history repeats itself with a clear consequence: Cuban baseball remains sidelined from the Caribbean Series, in a competition characterized by unprecedented changes, notable absences, and an exceptional format.
Impact of Cuba's Exclusion from the Caribbean Series
Why was Cuba excluded from the 2026 Caribbean Series?
Cuba's exclusion from the 2026 Caribbean Series is attributed to institutional and political reconfigurations rather than sporting performance. The event's relocation from Venezuela to Mexico played a significant role in this decision.
Which countries are participating in the 2026 Caribbean Series?
The 2026 Caribbean Series will feature teams from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, and two Mexican teams, which will be the finalists of the Mexican Pacific League 2025-2026.