US denies visas to Cuban baseball officials ahead of international tournament

Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation announced on Wednesday that the United States government had denied visas to eight members of Cuba's delegation for the World Baseball Classic tournament, including federation president Juan Reinaldo Pérez Pardo, secretary general Carlos del Pino Muñoz, and legendary pitching coach Pedro Luis Lazo Iglesias, in a move that reflects ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations. The visa denials, confirmed on February 25, 2026, directly impact Cuba's preparation and participation in one of international baseball's most prestigious tournaments, potentially altering the competitive landscape of the event. This incident adds to a history of political interference in sports exchanges between the two countries, which have maintained strained relations since the Cuban Revolution of 1959 despite recent efforts at diplomatic normalization. The World Baseball Classic, featuring national teams from around the world, represents a significant opportunity for Cuban athletes to showcase their talent on the global stage, with Cuban teams historically performing exceptionally well in previous tournaments.