Although it remains awaiting the authorization of the United States government, the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation (FCBS) his optimism reiterated on Tuesday regarding being represented in the VI World Baseball Classic (WBC), which will be held in March 2026
Juan Reinaldo Pérez Pardo, head of that sports organization, told the press that they expected “receiving permission as in the five previous editions”, reports the Cuban News Agency (ACN).
The series inside … and the World Classic of #Baseball
They constituted issues of analysis in the exchange between the National Commission and the specialized press. #Cuba #Beisbolcubano https://t.co/0jkaasshy pic.twitter.com/wkqypglt84– Jit Cuban sport (@jit_digital) SEPTEMBER 24, 2025
The manager referred to the license to be issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the United States, so that the organization of the Major Leagues (MLB) -Principal organizer of the tournament- can extend the official invitation to Cuba.
Due to the US laws that support the economic blockade against the island, MLB cannot initiate formal procedures without having received the aforementioned license, a situation that only affects the Cuban team.
A few weeks ago, the FCBS complained about the delay in receiving the call, so it has not been able to comply with the procedures already advanced by other countries.
Among these was the request for a list with 50 elotable players to participate in the contest, which should be delivered no later than September 1.
The official note of the FCBS described in its note that circumstance as “discriminatory” and contrary “to the principles of equity and respect that international competition must govern.”
However, and according to Pérez Pardo, the preparation of the Cuban team is “with the greatest seriousness”, based on a plan to form a pre -selection that would include Cuban players based in other countries and others with Cuban ancestry interested in representing the country.
Although the media recognizes that in previous editions the OFAC issued the license “at the last minute”, it also attracts attention that the current context of the tense political relations between Cuba and the United States could further complicate the procedure.
It also refers to some reports that appeared in international media that ensure the existence of an alternative plan prepared by the MLB, which would imply the inclusion of another team replacing the Cuban.
The island as a whole starred in a good performance in the previous edition of the fair, in which it advanced to the semifinal instance and concluded in fourth place, after a defeat before the representation of the United States.
In that tournament the inclusion in the payroll of players who perform in the MLB, such as the cases of Yoan Moncada and Luis Robert Jr.
