A breakdown of Canada’s opponents as 2026 World Baseball Classic pools finalized

Puerto Rico

Assuming they have similar participation, Puerto Rico boasts a roster full of major league talent, led by New York Mets superstar Francisco Lindor.

Longtime big leaguers Carlos Correa, Javy Baez, and Eddie Rosario will also likely be on the squad in some capacity, with a trio of formidable catchers in Christian Vasquez, Martin Maldonado, and MJ Melendez. On the pitching side, José Berríos will likely return as the country’s top starting pitcher, joined by Marcus Stroman, with Edwin Diaz perhaps available to close out games. Diaz suffered a season-ending knee injury in the 2023 WBC, something that could potentially lead to him skipping the tournament this time around.

Newcomers to the team could include Riley Greene and Tristan Casas, who are both eligible through their parents.

Cuba

There are many talented players from Cuba, but the big question will be how many end up participating in the tournament. Andy Pages has committed to playing for the nation, while Ernesto Martínez Jr, Andy Ibáñez, and Yoan Moncada have also confirmed their interest. Luis Robert was on the 2023 squad and could return.

Names like Yordan Alvarez, Adolis Garcia, Randy Arozorena, and Yandy Diaz would be welcome additions, although none of those four hitters were part of the 2023 WBC. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and his brother Yuli are options as well.

Blue Jays right-hander Yariel Rodriguez will likely compete again in 2026, and they have a chance to have a lights-out bullpen if some or all of Yennier Cano, Raisiel Iglesias, Adrian Morejon, and Aroldis Chapman participate. If there is a weakness on paper for Cuba, it may be their starting pitching, as Nestor Cortes appears to be their best option to start games while the nation relies mostly on arms that are still playing in Cuba.

Panama

Panama has the chance to be a sneaky good team, with a wealth of major league guys expected to participate.

Cardinals catcher Ivan Herrera figures to be a big piece of the offense, with other guys like Edmundo Sosa, Jose Caballero, Miguel Amaya, and Leo Jimenez factoring into the lineup. They appear to be a bit lighter on the pitching side of things, with Justin Lawrence being the only notable big league pitcher hailing from Panama. This could be a fun team that could be a tough out during pool play.

Colombia

This will make the second straight WBC where Canada will face Colombia in pool play after beating them 5-0 in the 2023 WBC. The Colombian team may lack star power, but they should be able to field a roster filled with major league talent. Offensively, the inclusion of big league guys like Gio Urshela, Donovan Solano, Oscar Mercado, and Elias Diaz will give Colombia a formidable lineup. Pitching-wise, Jose Quintana and Julio Teheran figure to be the key starting pitchers, with right-hander Nabil Crismatt coming out of the bullpen.