The denial of visas by the United States government to eight members of the Cuban delegation who were to attend the 6th World Baseball Classic constitutes the latest act of aggression against our people and their national sport. The decision is intended to intentionally obstruct and harm the participation and performance of the Cuban team in this renowned baseball competition.
In its eagerness to hinder the development of sports in Cuba, the United States has not been satisfied with denying visas to Cuban athletes and federation officials for events in that country since January 2025. Now, it has taken a decidedly political action by denying the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation the right to field a team under the same conditions as the other participating nations.
Despite the goodwill and efforts of Major League Baseball and the organizers of the Classic to ensure Cuba's participation, it is clear that from the outset, the U.S. government has aimed to create difficulties and obstruct our team. In fact, this visa denial is also an action intended to provoke a potential decision by our Federation not to attend the event under these conditions.
Managing a competitive team requires, in addition to the contributions of athletes and coaches, the complementary work of executives and other specialists who, in this case, operate within areas defined by the organizers themselves.
To cripple the team through visa denials, abusing the privilege granted by hosting this tournament, constitutes a discriminatory act that expresses contempt and places Cuba at a disadvantage in terms of its team's performance. The national team would be deprived of key figures responsible for tasks that contribute to athletic performance, including a pitching coach, thus limiting the possibilities that should be determined on the field, under equal conditions, and not subject to the political decisions of a government.
For almost seventy years of fighting U.S. aggression, sports have been one of the sectors most impacted by the policy of siege against Cuba, and we reiterate our strongest rejection of this decision. The U.S. authorities know that baseball is an intrinsic part of the history and pride of the Cuban people; But under any circumstances, the people of Cuba and their athletes will continue to win.
Sixty years ago, Cuban sports played a leading role in the historic epic of Cerro Pelado, when the same government that attacks us today tried to prevent Cuba from participating in the 1966 Central American and Caribbean Games in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Back then, our athletes trained on the ship, under the watchful eyes of U.S. military aircraft, but we reached Puerto Rico and triumphed.
Today, we will return to the island of Puerto Rico and the other venues of the 6th World Baseball Classic, with our Cultural Heritage, which is baseball; and as we did six decades ago, with the same spirit, the same dignity, and the same unwavering resolve.
Havana, March 1st, 2026
National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation
