Two Little League World Series players set to play in the 2026 tournament in Williamsport, Pennsylvania were blocked from entering the United States.
Nicaragua made it to Williamsport this year. The Nicaraguan team is expected to contend on the international side of the bracket. However, the team is currently playing a bit shorthanded.
Two members of the Nicaraguan team did not travel to Williamsport, Pa., “due to individual circumstances regarding visa travel documentation,” Little League said in a statement.
Because of the poor timing of this issue, Nicaragua will be playing shorthanded. The Nicaraguan team will be moving forward with just 12 players on the roster. The two players who were barred from entering the United States are not able to be replaced on the roster.
© Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
Little League released a statement.
“We work closely with the U.S. Department of State to support our participants and their travel, and we are pleased that 12 of our players from Nicaragua were able to obtain the appropriate documentation and understand the disappointment for their two teammates not able to make the trip,” Little League’s statement said. “No further details are currently available.”
Details emerge on players not being allowed into U.S.
There is a procedure for international athletes playing in the Little League World Series.
“Athletes who don’t have U.S. citizenship, a green card or a long-term travel authorization typically require a B-1 business and tourism visa to enter the U.S. for a temporary competition or event. Countries covered by the Visa Waiver Program, an initiative that allows travelers from qualifying nations to visit America for up to 90 days if they have approval, is an exception to that rule,” Sportico reports.
“Under the Trump Administration, B-1 visas have become particularly difficult to obtain in some parts of the world.”
The Little League World Series began on Aug. 19 and runs until Aug. 30. The winner of the international bracket will take on the winner of the United States bracket in a winner-take-all championship game at the end of the month.
