Foto: RL Hevia
Text: Cuba Drafting News 360
The World Baseball Classic planned for March 2026, remains an unknown for Cuba, although the president of the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation (FCBS), Juan Reinaldo Pérez, expressed his confidence in the participation of the national squad.
At a press conference held at the Latin American Stadium, the manager confirmed that they still do not receive the license of the United States Foreign Assets Control Office, but “we are optimistic and hope to receive permission to attend, as has happened in the five previous editions.”
Despite this impediment, which was denouncing in the part of the FCBS on September 1, when the 16 classified teams had to send their prerete from 50 players, the Cuban authorities have not stayed with a crossed arms.
“We have the work advanced with respect to the players that we are going to convene and do not reside in our country. There are also athletes of Cuban ancestry that were born in another country and have shown interest in representing Cuba,” said Pérez Pardo.
Although the situation sounds alarming, it is not unprecedented: the same thing happened in other editions, as in 2023, when the FCBS obtained permission just three months before the start. In the inaugural version of these tournaments, in 2006, the authorization came just a few weeks before the Play Ball.
However, some media warn that this time the scenario is more complex. Donald Trump’s current government has harden its position towards the island, and so far this year, several Cuban sports delegations have seen their presence in competitions held in the United States or Puerto Rico frustrated.
Even in recent days rumors transcended a possible invitation to Spain if the OFAC finally does not authorize Cuban participation, which were later denied by the Royal Spanish Baseball Federation.
However, the Cuban half ball revealed that sources close to the organization of the classic confirmed that Fanatics, the official MLB store, is already working on a merchandise design package of the Iberian nation with a view to the global event.
Although it is a routine procedure for all classified teams, it is striking that Spain is the only one without a ticket insured in the tournament to which this type of work is dedicated, the publication stressed.
