Cuban Baseball Federation Denounces U.S. Visa Denials Ahead of World Baseball Classic

Havana, February 26, 2026 (JIT) — The Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation (FCBS) announced today that the United States government has denied visas to eight members of the delegation assembled to represent Cuba in the VI World Baseball Classic.

Given its significance, JIT publishes the federation's statement in full.

STATEMENT FROM THE CUBAN BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL FEDERATION

The Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation (FCBS) was informed this Tuesday that the United States government denied visas to eight members of the delegation assembled to represent Cuba in the VI World Baseball Classic.

Those affected include FCBS President Juan Reinaldo Pérez Pardo, Secretary General Carlos del Pino Muñoz, and pitching coach and Cuban baseball legend Pedro Luis Lazo Iglesias, along with five additional delegation members. All eight hold specific roles within the delegation, as established by tournament organizers for all participating nations, given the operational demands inherent to the comprehensive functioning of national delegations.

The United States response, issued more than a month after the visa applications were submitted, disregards the legitimate grounds on which those applications were based, the most basic principles of sport, and the obligations assumed by host countries of international competitions of this nature.

Citing Section 243(d) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act as justification undermines the spirit of sport and the inherent responsibilities of its participants, placing Cuba's delegation at a clear and unjustified disadvantage. The claim that Cuba does not cooperate with the United States on immigration matters is false.

This visa denial compounds the difficulties that have already characterized Cuba's roster integration process, which was subject to different deadlines than those established for other participating nations due to the requirement that tournament organizers obtain prior authorization from the U.S. government before extending an invitation to Cuba.

In light of this situation, the FCBS will assess how to proceed and will provide timely updates.

Havana, February 25, 2026