The 2026 Caribbean Series, the 68th edition of the prestigious winter baseball tournament, kicked off on February 1 at Estadio Panamericano in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico, with a modified format featuring five teams instead of the traditional lineup. This year’s event is notably different due to the absence of Venezuela, which has sparked debates about the tournament’s integrity and the impact of external factors on international sports.

Originally scheduled to be held in Caracas and La Guaira, Venezuela, from February 1 to 7, the series was relocated after the leagues from Mexico (Liga ARCO Mexicana del Pacífico), Puerto Rico (Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente), and the Dominican Republic (Liga de Béisbol Profesional de la República Dominicana) announced in mid-December 2025 that they would not participate if hosted in Venezuela. The decision cited external situations beyond their control, including logistical concerns and regional instability.In response, the Caribbean Professional Baseball Confederation (CBPC) moved the tournament to Mexico on December 19, 2025. This prompted Venezuela’s Liga Venezolana de Béisbol Profesional (LVBP) to withdraw in protest, opting instead to organize an alternative event called the Serie de las Américas in Venezuela, featuring teams from Colombia, Cuba, Argentina, Curaçao, Nicaragua, and a Panamanian club. Notably, Venezuela does not yet have a champion for the 2025-2026 season, as the LVBP final between the Caribes de Anzoátegui and Navegantes del Magallanes is ongoing. Magallanes leads the best-of-seven series 3-2, with Game 6 set for February 3 in Valencia, and a potential Game 7 on February 4. The eventual winner will represent Venezuela in the alternative tournament, not the official Caribbean Series.

Cuba and Colombia, who were initially invited as guests for the Venezuelan-hosted event, are also absent from the official series. To fill the field, Mexico is represented by two teams: the league champion Charros de Jalisco and runner-up Tomateros de Culiacán. The full participating teams are:

-Dominican Republic: Leones del Escogido

-Mexico (Red): Charros de Jalisco

-Mexico (Green): Tomateros de Culiacán

-Panama: Federales de Chiriquí (guest)

-Puerto Rico: Cangrejeros de Santurce

The format includes a five-team round-robin stage, followed by semifinals on February 6 and the final on February 7. Early results from February 1 include Puerto Rico’s 5-4 comeback win over Mexico Green (Tomateros de Culiacán) and the Dominican Republic’s 5-4 victory over Mexico Red (Charros de Jalisco).The relocation and absences have elicited mixed reactions, with Venezuelan officials and fans expressing frustration over what they perceive as decisions influenced by external factors. Analysts note that the changes challenge the tournament’s historical unity among Caribbean baseball nations since its inception in 1949. Discussions within the CBPC are ongoing to address these issues for future editions, potentially revising hosting and inclusion policies to avoid similar disruptions. For now, this altered Caribbean Series underscores the complexities of blending sport with regional dynamics.