The U-18 Pan American Baseball Championship is set to begin on October 22, 2026, in the Dominican Republic, with the country hosting the event at the International Prospect League (IPL) Academy in Boca Chica, near Santo Domingo. The tournament will feature 11 teams after Colombia withdrew, down from an original 12.
Teams will compete in a group stage format, with participants divided into three groups. Group A includes World No. 3 USA, No. 10 Dominican Republic, No. 21 Brazil, and No. 34 Curaçao. Group B features No. 5 Venezuela, No. 7 Mexico, No. 12 Cuba, and No. 15 Nicaragua. Group C consists of No. 6 Puerto Rico, No. 8 Panama, and No. 19 Canada. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Round, scheduled for October 25 to 28. The four highest-placing teams will qualify for the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup in 2027.
The Dominican Republic’s roster, managed by former MLB infielder Mendy López Jr., boasts several standout players, including infielder Ricki Moneys, who signed for $1.5 million with the Milwaukee Brewers. Others include Alfredo Sena, projected to be a top signing in the upcoming MLB international draft, and Wilson Reyes, who has attracted attention from scouts.
Puerto Rico’s team, under manager Eddie Gonzalez, includes several players with international experience, such as pitchers Carlos Coira and Saúl Maldonado. Both have competed in prior WBSC tournaments. The USA, managed by former MLB catcher Brian Schneider, returns as the defending champions of the tournament. The roster features standout youth players, including pitcher Isaac Vidal, who has made history by representing the USA at multiple age levels.
Mexico’s Enrique El Che Reyes, Cuba’s Alexei Moré Rodriguez, and Nicaragua’s Ronald Garth will also lead their respective teams. Panama will be managed by Rodrigo Meron, while Canada’s team will be under the guidance of Greg Hamilton.
The teams are competing not just for the championship but also for crucial qualifying spots for the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-18 Baseball World Cup, scheduled to take place from September 17 to 26, 2027, in China. The USA is the defending champion, having won the 2025 World Championship Final against Japan.
As the tournament progresses, the excitement builds towards identifying the top four teams that will secure a place in the prestigious World Cup, with stakes high for the young athletes involved.
