Venezuela Expects Celebration at WBC Despite US Tensions

Venezuelan team focused on baseball, not politics, as World Baseball Classic comes to Miami

Mar. 6, 2026 at 2:24am

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As the World Baseball Classic pool play begins in Miami, the Venezuelan team is preparing to play on US soil just two months after the US executed a military operation to capture Venezuela's deposed leader Nicolás Maduro. Despite the geopolitical tensions, the Venezuelan players say they are focused solely on baseball and representing their country. The games are expected to draw large crowds of Venezuelan fans in the Miami area, which has a sizable Venezuelan population.

Why it matters

Sporting events often have geopolitical undertones, and the WBC games in Miami are no exception given the recent tensions between the US and Venezuela. However, the Venezuelan team is trying to keep the focus on the game of baseball and representing their national pride, rather than getting caught up in the political drama.

The details

The Venezuelan team is managed by Omar López, who has insisted he will not discuss political matters, only the team's performance. Many Venezuelans living in the Miami area, estimated at around 200,000, are expected to turn out in force to support the team at loanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins. The games come just weeks after the US captured Venezuela's deposed leader Nicolás Maduro, which sparked celebrations among Venezuelan exiles in the Miami suburb of Doral.

  • The World Baseball Classic pool play begins on Friday, March 8, 2026.
  • Venezuela will play four games at loanDepot Park in Miami between March 8-15, 2026.

The players

Omar López

Manager of the Venezuelan national baseball team who has stated he will not discuss political matters, only the team's performance.

Nicolás Maduro

The deposed leader of Venezuela who was recently captured by the US and brought to New York to face drug trafficking charges.

Javier Sanoja

A Venezuelan-born utility player for the Miami Marlins who is excited to see his home country's team play in his city.

Salvador Perez

The captain of the Venezuelan national baseball team who says he is focused on the game and not the political situation.

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What they’re saying

“I've been working in baseball for 28 years and I don't talk about political stuff, to be honest. I'm here to talk about our Venezuelan team. I'm not here to talk about anything about political situations around the world, around my country. We are alive, we are here and we want to play for our team to win every single game here.”

— Omar López, Manager, Venezuelan National Baseball Team (AP)

“I'm super happy, super happy to be here in my city. I love Miami because it's the closest we have to our country, and seeing it full of Venezuelans fills me with pride.”

— Javier Sanoja, Utility Player, Miami Marlins (AP)

“I don't try to pay attention to that, you know. I understand when fans buy a ticket, they want to see the team win. Win or lose, it's part of the game. ... I can control what I can control. The rest, God has control of that.”

— Salvador Perez, Captain, Venezuelan National Baseball Team (AP)

What’s next

The Venezuelan national team will continue its pool play schedule at loanDepot Park in Miami, with games scheduled for March 10, 12, and 15.

The takeaway

Despite the political tensions between the US and Venezuela, the Venezuelan national baseball team is focused on representing their country and playing the game they love. The WBC games in Miami are expected to be a celebration of Venezuelan pride and passion for the sport, transcending the geopolitical backdrop.