Puerto Rico and Cuba Clash in Crucial World Baseball Classic Matchup
San Juan, Puerto Rico – After two decades without a tournament meeting, the national teams of Cuba and Puerto Rico will renew their rivalry this Monday, March 9 (7:00 p.m. ET and local time in San Juan) in the World Baseball Classic. This highly anticipated contest in Group A promises to be pivotal in determining the group leader and securing a firm step towards the quarterfinals of the competition.
Cuba has surprised many in this edition of the tournament, stringing together two consecutive victories and exceeding pre-tournament expectations. Yet, the task ahead will be far from easy, as they face a Puerto Rican squad brimming with talent, featuring several Major League Baseball players and backed by a strong technical staff. Adding to Puerto Rico’s advantage, they will have the enthusiastic support of their home crowd at Hiram Bithorn Stadium, creating a vibrant atmosphere for the game.
For this important match, Cuba manager Germán Mesa has announced that left-handed pitcher Julio Robaina, 24, will take the mound as the starting pitcher. Robaina previously was part of the Houston Astros organization until 2024, and continued his career in the Mexican Baseball League and the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP). On the Puerto Rican side, manager Yadier Molina will entrust the start to right-handed pitcher Elmer Rodríguez, a promising prospect in the New York Yankees organization who has impressed during recent Spring Training performances.
How to Watch WAPA TV LIVE: Puerto Rico vs. Cuba in the 2026 World Baseball Classic
WAPA TV is the exclusive television channel in Puerto Rico for broadcasting the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Here’s a list of channels to tune into, depending on your cable provider:
- Channel 4.2 via Air Digital
- Channel 5 on Claro TV
- Channel 27 on Dish
- Channel 31 on Naciom
- Channel 657 on DirecTV
- Channels 44 and 244 HD on Liberty
How to Watch WAPA América LIVE, Puerto Rico vs. Cuba from the United States
Here’s how to access WAPA América in the United States:
- You can access WAPA América’s live programming through streaming services like FuboTV, YouTube TV, and ViX.
- WAPA+ is similarly available for free on platforms such as The Roku Channel (channel 913), Samsung TV Plus (for Samsung TVs and Galaxy mobiles), Fire TV, Canela.tv, and Plex. This channel, specifically created for the Puerto Rican diaspora in the U.S., offers up to 70 hours of live content weekly, including news, entertainment, and specials from the main Puerto Rican channel.
- The digital signal of WAPA+ and WAPA América allows you to follow live news programs, special events, and entertainment programs on your smart TV, computer, mobile phone, or tablet, depending on your preferred platform.
Schedule, TV, and How to Watch Puerto Rico vs. Cuba LIVE in the 2026 World Baseball Classic
- Tournament: 2026 World Baseball Classic
- Time in San Juan: 7:00 p.m.
- Time in Panama City: 6:00 p.m.
- Time in the United States: 7:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. PT
- TV: WAPA Deportes
- Stadium: Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico
This matchup isn’t just about bragging rights; it carries significant weight in the tournament standings. Both teams enter the game with 2-0 records, and a victory for either side would position them in a commanding position to advance to the quarterfinals. The World Baseball Classic format, where only the top two teams from each group progress, means every game is a must-win scenario.
The atmosphere at Hiram Bithorn Stadium is expected to be electric. Puerto Rican fans are known for their passionate support, and they will undoubtedly create a challenging environment for the Cuban team. For those unfamiliar, Hiram Bithorn Stadium is a historic venue that has hosted numerous baseball events, including games featuring Major League Baseball teams. It’s a stadium steeped in tradition and a fitting backdrop for this important contest.
Beyond the on-field action, this game represents a continuation of a long-standing baseball rivalry between Puerto Rico and Cuba. The two nations have a rich history in the sport, and their matchups are always filled with intensity and pride. This year’s contest adds another chapter to that story, with both teams eager to prove their dominance on the international stage.
As the tournament progresses, the stakes will only secure higher. The quarterfinals will feature the top teams from each group, and the competition will develop into even more fierce. For Puerto Rico and Cuba, this game is a crucial step towards their ultimate goal of winning the World Baseball Classic championship. Fans can expect a thrilling and competitive game as these two Caribbean powerhouses battle for supremacy.
Following this pivotal game, both teams will have limited opportunities to improve their standings. Puerto Rico will face Canada, whereas Cuba will take on Panama. The results of these games will ultimately determine which two teams from Group A advance to the quarterfinals.
The next confirmed checkpoint for both teams is their subsequent games in the group stage. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the World Baseball Classic, including game recaps, analysis, and updates on team standings.
What are your predictions for the Puerto Rico vs. Cuba game? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
