WBC 2026: Cuba Beats Panama 3-1 in Pool A Opener at San Juan
Cuba opened Pool A of the 2026 World Baseball Classic with a 3-1 win over Panama on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Yoan Moncada (Angels)—the lone MLB hitter in Cuba's lineup—hit a two-run homer in the third to break the game open, and Yoelkis Guibert got the scoring started with a solo shot in the second (exit velo 103.3 mph). Cuba's pitching staff held Panama to one run—a seventh-inning single by Johan Camargo off Emmanuel Chapman—and Raidel Martinez (NPB's top closer) closed the door with a 1-2-3 ninth. The result puts Cuba at 1-0 in a pool that also includes Puerto Rico, Canada, and Colombia; the top two teams advance to the quarterfinals in Houston (March 13–14). Cuba has advanced from group play in all five previous WBCs, including a fourth-place finish in 2023.
How the game unfolded
Cuba took the lead in the top of the second when Yoelkis Guibert turned on a pitch and sent it out for a solo home run—a 103.3 mph exit velocity that gave Cuba a 1-0 edge. In the third, Yoan Moncada (Angels third baseman) crushed a two-run homer to make it 3-0. Moncada was the star of the day: he contributed the big blow at the plate and made several standout plays on defense, with and without his glove. Panama could not answer until the seventh, when Johan Camargo singled off Emmanuel Chapman to drive in the only run for the Panamanians. On the mound, Cuba's staff was dominant. Livan Moinelo (reigning NPB MVP) went 3 2/3 innings, striking out four and allowing just two hits and no runs. Yariel Rodriguez (Blue Jays) followed with 2 1/3 scoreless innings. Darien Nunez and Yoan Lopez combined for 1 1/3 shutout frames; after Chapman allowed the Camargo RBI single, Raidel Martinez—the best closer in NPB—finished with a flourish, retiring the side in order in the ninth and striking out the final batter with high-90s heat. The 3-1 final gave Cuba an important first step in what manager German Mesa called a "wide-open" Pool A.
Pool A standings (after Cuba 3–1 Panama, March 6)
| Team | W | L | PCT | GB | RS | RA | DIFF | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuba | 1 | 0 | 1.000 | — | 3 | 1 | +2 | W1 |
| Puerto Rico | 0 | 0 | — | 0.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Canada | 0 | 0 | — | 0.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Colombia | 0 | 0 | — | 0.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Panama | 0 | 1 | .000 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | L1 |
The top two teams after round-robin play (through March 11) advance to the quarterfinals in Houston. Cuba is 1-0 (3 RS, 1 RA). Cuba faces Colombia next on Sunday at 12 p.m. ET (FS2). Panama looks to avoid an 0-2 start when it takes on Puerto Rico on Saturday at 6 p.m. ET (FS1).
Pool A context and what's next
Pool A at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan is one of the most balanced groups in the 2026 WBC. Puerto Rico (host), Cuba, Canada, Panama, and Colombia are all capable of advancing. Cuba's win over Panama extends their streak of advancing from group play in every Classic; a strong start was critical with Puerto Rico and the rest of the pool still to play. For Panama, the 0-1 start means Saturday's game against Puerto Rico—in front of a home crowd at Hiram Bithorn—is a near must-win. Pool play runs through March 11; every game will shape who reaches Houston.
Names to watch for AthX
Yoan Moncada (Angels) is the only MLB hitter in Cuba's lineup and was the standout in the opener: two-run homer and elite defense. Yariel Rodriguez (Blue Jays) threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings in relief. WBC performance does not affect dynamic pricing—AthX prices are driven by MLB performance—but a strong tournament can boost narrative and demand before Opening Day. Cuba also leans on Livan Moinelo (NPB MVP) and Raidel Martinez (NPB's best closer), who are not MLB names but anchor the staff. Johan Camargo drove in Panama's lone run. For AthX traders, Moncada and Rodriguez are the main MLB-linked names to watch in Pool A.
What It Means for AthX
WBC stats don't count in dynamic pricing; AthX share prices are based on MLB playing time and results. Still, WBC results can shape narrative and demand for players on both rosters—especially Moncada and Rodriguez. A strong Cuba run keeps those names in the spotlight before the regular season. Use the WBC as a lead-in to see who's in form, then browse the marketplace to see how MLB players are valued on AthX. *Sources: MLB.com – Moncada helps Cuba make a statement in Classic opener vs. Panama; official WBC Pool A results. Fact-checked March 6, 2026.*
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