The director of the Cuba team, German Mesaexpressed Thursday his confidence that the United States will grant the seen necessary for the national selection to participate in the VI World Baseball Classicscheduled for March 2026 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
In statements to ReutersMesa said he maintains an optimistic outlook despite the complex political landscape between Washington and Havana.
“Yes, I think they will give us visas… I’m one of those who think positively and I don’t think there will be a negative response,” said the former torpedo fighter, while supervising training at the Latinoamericano stadium.
Cuba will integrate Group A of the tournament, based in Puerto Ricowhich requires players and coaching staff to have a US visa to travel. Other groups will compete in Houston, Tokyo and Miami.
Mesa also stressed that, historically, the Cuban team has received visas for international events, although he acknowledged that the current context is particularly delicate.
Training began with a pre-selection made up exclusively of players active in the National Series and some under contract in professional leagues such as Japan, amid growing absences of Major League figures.
The build-up to the Clásico coincides with a time of regional political tension, after Donald Trump’s administration stepped up its pressure on governments allied with Cuba, such as Venezuela.
Among the main figures on the roster stands out the left-handed pitcher Liván Moinelo, elected Most Valuable Player in the Japanese Pacific League in 2025.
“The Clásico is something we are waiting for and we mean it… we are focused on improving on the fourth place in 2023,” commented Moinelo.
Cuba achieved its best historical result in the first World Classic in 2006, when it won the silver medal. Now, with a rebuilding team and multiple absences, participation will also depend on one key factor: U.S. immigration approval.
