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2026 World Baseball Classic: USA Faces Brazil Amid Changes

3/2/2026

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USA Faces Brazil

The World Baseball Classic begins March 6, 2026, with Team USA facing Brazil in its opening game.
The Team USA roster includes Aaron Judge (Team USA) and Paul Skenes.
Joe Ryan (pitcher) is replaced by Ryan Yarbrough (pitcher) due to back issues.
Jesús Luzardo (Venezuelan pitcher) declines to join Team USA and will represent Venezuela.
Eight Cuban officials are denied U.S. visas, and Cuba will compete in Puerto Rico.

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Cuba Competes Despite Visa Issues

Cuba will participate in the World Baseball Classic despite eight delegation members being denied U.S. visas.
The Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation criticized the visa denials as discriminatory and politicized.
The United States cited Cuba's lack of cooperation on immigration enforcement as the reason for the denials, which Havana disputes.
Cuba's game is scheduled for March 6, 2026, in Puerto Rico, with exhibition matches against Major League Baseball (MLB) teams.

History

Historical Context

The inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006 featured 16 nations, highlighting baseball's global appeal, particularly in Cuba, which has a rich baseball history. Tensions from the U.S. embargo against Cuba, established in 1960, complicated Cuba's participation, leading to a last-minute license approval by the U.S. Treasury. This event underscored the intricate relationship between sports and international politics.

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USA Faces Brazil

The World Baseball Classic begins March 6, 2026, with Team USA facing Brazil in its opening game.
The Team USA roster includes Aaron Judge (Team USA) and Paul Skenes.
Joe Ryan (pitcher) is replaced by Ryan Yarbrough (pitcher) due to back issues.
Jesús Luzardo (Venezuelan pitcher) declines to join Team USA and will represent Venezuela.
Eight Cuban officials are denied U.S. visas, and Cuba will compete in Puerto Rico.

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