Canada Beats Cuba 7-2 to Advance in World Baseball Classic

Canada reaches the quarterfinals for the first time in tournament history.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Canada defeated Cuba 7-2 in a winner-take-all game at the World Baseball Classic, advancing past the first round for the first time in the tournament's history. Abraham Toro hit a home run and Otto Lopez drove in two runs to lead the Canadian offense. Pitcher Cal Quantrill earned the win, allowing just an unearned run over five innings. Cuba was eliminated from the tournament after the loss.

Why it matters

This is a historic achievement for Canada, which has struggled to make it past the first round in previous World Baseball Classic tournaments. The win over Cuba, a traditional baseball powerhouse, demonstrates the growth and development of baseball in Canada. It also marks the first time Cuba has failed to advance past the first round of the WBC.

The details

Canada broke open the game with a three-run sixth inning, taking advantage of several Cuba defensive miscues including a dropped popup, a foul pop that fell, a wild pickoff throw, and a catcher's interference call. Abraham Toro's solo home run in the fifth inning gave Canada the lead, while Otto Lopez's two-run single in the sixth extended the advantage. Pitcher Cal Quantrill earned the win for Canada, allowing just an unearned run over five innings of work.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, March 12, 2026 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
  • Canada and Puerto Rico will play the quarterfinals this weekend in Houston, Texas.

The players

Abraham Toro

A Canadian baseball player who hit a home run to lead Canada's offense in the win over Cuba.

Otto Lopez

A Canadian baseball player who drove in two runs with a single to help Canada pull away in the game.

Cal Quantrill

The winning pitcher for Canada, allowing just an unearned run over five innings of work.

Ariel Martinez

A Cuban outfielder who had three hits in the game but also made a key error that allowed Canada to extend their lead.

Livan Moinelo

The losing pitcher for Cuba, who was charged with the loss after Canada scored three runs off him in the sixth inning.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is a huge accomplishment for our program. We've been working hard to get to this point and I'm so proud of the team for fighting through and getting the job done.”

— Ernie Whitt, Manager, Canadian National Baseball Team (Canadian Baseball Network)

What’s next

Canada will face Puerto Rico in the quarterfinals this weekend in Houston, with the winner advancing to the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic.

The takeaway

Canada's historic win over Cuba not only marks the first time the country has advanced past the first round of the World Baseball Classic, but also demonstrates the growing strength and competitiveness of baseball in Canada. This result will undoubtedly inspire more young Canadians to take up the sport and strive to represent their country on the international stage.