Overview of the 2026 Caribbean Baseball Series
The Professional Baseball Confederation of the Caribbean (CBPC) and the Jalisco 2026 Organizing Committee have announced the match schedule for the 2026 Caribbean Series, taking place from February 1 to 7.
Participating Teams
The tournament will feature teams from the champions of the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Panama leagues, along with two Mexican representatives: Mexico Red, the Pacific League champion, and Mexico Green, the runner-up in the same circuit.
Tournament Schedule
On the opening day, Mexico Green will face Puerto Rico, while Mexico Red will take on the Dominican Republic. Panama will have a rest day. The preliminary phase, under a round-robin format, will extend until February 5. Each day will include two games. After the preliminary phase, the top four teams will advance to the semifinals on February 6. The first match will pit the second and third-place teams against each other, while the second will have the first and fourth-place teams compete.
If at least one Mexican team qualifies for the semifinals, their game will be played in the evening. Otherwise, the team with the best standing in the table will be assigned to that time slot. The tournament times are set according to Guadalajara local time, which is two hours behind both the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, and one hour behind Panama.
Stadium and Past Events
The Estadio Panamericano, home to the Charros de Jalisco, will host the 2026 Caribbean Series. This stadium has previously accommodated significant baseball events, including the 2017 World Baseball Classic, the Premier12 in 2024, and the 2018 Caribbean Series, where Caguas Criollos (Puerto Rico) emerged as champions.
Key Teams and Players
Mexico Verde and Mexico Rojo will bring their unique strengths to the tournament. Mexico Verde, as the runner-up in the Pacific League, showcases talented players who narrowly missed the championship. Meanwhile, Mexico Rojo, as the Pacific League champions, boasts a strong lineup and solid pitching, making them formidable opponents.
Impact on Baseball in Mexico
The participation of two Mexican teams in the 2026 Caribbean Series highlights the growing popularity and competitiveness of baseball in Mexico. This event provides an opportunity for fans to support their national teams and witness high-level baseball against international competition. Moreover, it allows Mexican players to gain valuable experience and exposure on a broader stage.
Caribbean Baseball Series Significance
The Caribbean Series is an annual international baseball tournament featuring the champion teams from the Cuban, Dominican, Mexican, and Puerto Rican leagues. It showcases the best talent from across the Caribbean baseball community and fosters regional rivalries while promoting the sport’s growth.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the participating teams in the 2026 Caribbean Series? The teams are Mexico Verde and Mexico Rojo (Mexico), Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Panama.
- What is the tournament format? The preliminary phase uses a round-robin format, followed by semifinals and a final match between the winners.
- When will Mexico teams play their matches? Mexico Verde faces Puerto Rico, and Mexico Rojo takes on the Dominican Republic in the opening day. If a Mexican team advances to semifinals, their game will be played in the evening; otherwise, the best-ranked team will play then.
- What is the significance of this tournament for Mexican baseball? The event highlights the rising prominence of baseball in Mexico, offering fans a chance to support their national teams and players to gain valuable experience against international competition.
