The Cuban national baseball team has arrived in Nicaragua for a four-game exhibition series starting tomorrow, overcoming recent visa requirements and flight disruptions to prepare for the World Baseball Classic.
Despite Nicaragua’s February 8 imposition of visas on Cuban citizens and the suspension of direct flights from Havana, the Cuban squad traveled in groups via layovers in Panama to reach Managua. Advance personnel had already scouted logistics, confirming the matches will proceed as scheduled across four cities.
The series serves as crucial warmup for both teams before the March 2026 World Baseball Classic, where Cuba plays in Pool A in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Nicaragua competes in Pool D in Miami. It marks the first on-field action in the Americas for the tournament, helping players sharpen skills against international competition.
Nicaragua’s migration authority enacted Disposition 001-2026 on February 8, requiring Cubans to obtain a no-cost consulted visa in advance. This reversed a 2021 visa-free policy that facilitated over 240,000 Cuban entries, many en route to the U.S. border.
Venezuelan airline Conviasa halted its Havana-Managua route on February 10 due to Cuba’s fuel shortages and the new rules, rescheduling services through February 19. Cuban officials arranged alternative travel, with the team departing in three groups starting February 16.
The Cuban federation’s 30-player roster, led by manager Germán Mesa, includes standouts like Liván Moinelo, Raidel Martínez, and Alfredo Despaigne. Nicaragua’s squad features potential Major League pitchers like Erasmo Ramírez. Games are set for Estadio Roberto Clemente in Masaya on February 19, Yamil Ríos Ugarte in Rivas on February 22, Rigoberto López Pérez in León on February 25, and Estadio Nacional Soberanía in Managua on February 27. All start at 6 p.m. local time.
Cuba aims to build on its 2023 semifinal run, while Nicaragua seeks to improve on its qualifying appearance. Both federations confirmed the series via press conferences, with tickets available for local fans. Cuba’s fuel crisis, tied to U.S. sanctions and reduced Venezuelan supplies, persists but did not derail travel. Nicaraguan officials require visa applicants to show sponsorship and economic solvency.
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