The United States government has refused to grant visas to eight members of the Cuban delegation slated to participate in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, set to begin on March 6. The Cuban team is scheduled to compete in Group A, based in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
This decision impacts not the players, but rather the coaches and officials involved in Cuba's state-run sports administration.
The Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation (FCBS) confirmed the denial of visas to the following individuals:
- Juan Reinaldo Pérez Pardo – President of the FCBS.
- Carlos del Pino Muñoz – Secretary General of the FCBS.
- Pedro Luis Lazo Iglesias – Pitching Coach.
- Raúl Fornés – First Vice President of INDER.
The identities of the other four affected members remain undisclosed; however, they held specific roles within the delegation.
Official Response from the Cuban Federation
On February 25, the FCBS released a statement from Havana indicating that “the United States government denied visas to eight members of the delegation assembled to represent Cuba in the World Baseball Classic.”
The statement highlighted that the list includes the FCBS President and Secretary General, as well as Pedro Luis Lazo Iglesias, a celebrated figure in Cuban sports.
The federation expressed concern over the legal basis for this decision, noting the delay of over a month before receiving a response from the U.S. They argued that the move undermines fundamental sports principles and the commitments of host countries for such events.
Washington allegedly referenced Section 243(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. In response, the FCBS criticized this as disrespectful to the essence of sports and unfairly disadvantaging the Cuban delegation.
The federation refuted claims that Cuba does not cooperate with the U.S. on immigration issues, pointing out additional challenges faced during the team's assembly. They noted that the process was subjected to timelines differing from those of other invited countries due to the need for U.S. government approval.
The FCBS stated that they are considering how to proceed and will provide updates in due course.
Reaction from Pedro Luis Lazo
Pedro Luis Lazo, a former pitcher from Pinar del Río, expressed his disappointment over being unable to join the team. “I would have loved to be with the Cuba team in the World Classic, but unfortunately, others decided otherwise,” he remarked.
Despite the setback, Lazo remains supportive. “It’s very unfair, but you have to keep moving forward with your head held high. I’ll continue to support from afar as if I were there with them, confident that we can achieve great results. That’s what matters most,” he added.
Team Preparations Continue Unhindered
The visa denial does not affect the players' participation in the tournament. It was previously reported that the Cuban team has secured the necessary documentation to travel to the U.S. for the 2026 Classic.
On February 28, the team plans to head to Arizona for Spring Training, where they will face off against the Cincinnati Reds and Kansas City Royals. From there, they will proceed to Puerto Rico for the tournament's first phase, competing against Puerto Rico, Panama, Colombia, and Canada in a round-robin format.
The team boasts a mix of seasoned veterans and internationally experienced players. Notably, Alexei Ramírez, at 44, will be the oldest participant, accompanied by notable figures like Yoán Moncada, Erisbel Arruebarrena, Alfredo Despaigne, and Roel Santos.
For weeks, the team has trained in Nicaragua, focusing on tactical adjustments, pitching, and defense—key areas identified by the coaching staff.
The upcoming World Baseball Classic presents a significant opportunity for the Cuban squad to enhance their international performance amidst ongoing political tensions affecting the sporting arena.
Key Questions Regarding U.S. Visa Denial for Cuban Delegation
Why were the visas denied to the Cuban delegation members?
The U.S. government cited Section 243(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation argues undermines sports principles and disadvantages their team.
Does the visa denial affect the players' participation in the World Baseball Classic?
No, the visa denial impacts only coaches and officials, not the players, who have the necessary documentation to participate in the tournament.
How is the Cuban team preparing for the World Baseball Classic?
The team has been training in Nicaragua, focusing on tactical aspects, pitching, and defense, and plans to engage in practice games in Arizona before heading to Puerto Rico for the tournament.