Japan will look to record its third championship in as many WBCs in 2026.

In their opening match of the World Baseball Classic, Cuba emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over Panama in the Group A opener held at the Hiram

Cuba faces Panama during group play of the 2026 World Baseball Classic on Wednesday in San Juan.

Coming into the 2026 World Baseball Classic, there’d been so much talk of Cuba not having the kind of team, or the same historically strong footprint in the baseball world that they’d had for so many years.

TL;DR: Live stream Cuba vs. Panama in the 2026 World Baseball Classic for free on Tele Rebelde, Tubi, or Venevision. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The World Baseball Classic is back in 2026. Here's how to tune in to Friday's Cuba vs. Panama matchup.

Twenty years ago, Team Cuba beat Team Puerto Rico at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to advance to the first World Baseball Classic championship round in San Diego. There, they beat the Dominican Republic in the semifinals before falling to Japan in the final.

Pool A features several familiar faces on Team Puerto Rico and Team Canada. Illustration: Demetrius Robinson / The Athletic Pool A kicks off play in San Juan, Puerto Rico with Cuba vs. Panama and Puerto Rico vs.

Is it the World Baseball Classic? It’s both! Today’s Royals game is an exhibition against Cuba. Which is fun! I like these contests; it’s not everyday that you get exhibitions against an entire country’s national team.

Eight members of Cuba's delegation were denied visas to the United States for the World Baseball Classic, the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation (FCBS) said Thursday. Cuba is set to play against Puerto Rico,