Cuba vs Panama Preview & Prediction | 2026 World Baseball Classic | Pool Stage

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The first Pool A encounter at the World Baseball Classic sees Cuba face Panama in San Juan.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / USA – Fox Sports / Japan – Netflix Japan

How to watch online: UK – Cannot be streamed / USA – FOX One / Japan – Netflix Japan

Cuba vs Panama prediction

You could definitely argue that Pool A is the most open of all four pools with every nation involved having every reason to believe that they could finish inside the top two and make the quarter-finals. Whilst on paper, this Cuban roster may not look as strong as the likes of Puerto Rico or Canada. But Cuba were winners of their pool back in 2023 and boast significant power within their batting unit, including the vastly experienced Yoan Moncada.

Panama will be hoping the likes of Philadelphia Phillies’ Edmundo Sosa and Jose Caballero of the New York Yankees can provide both high level infield defence and a hot bat. Catcher Miguel Amaya could also be a difference maker, having provided the Chicago Cubs with some clutch RBIs in MLB last year when fit. Whilst Panama boasts the most MLB experience, this Cuban team have spent more together as a unit, with many returning from 2023. That’s likely to prove critical and is why backing Cuba warrants serious consideration.

Cuba vs Panama tip: Cuba to win