After Nicaragua and Chinese Taipei booked their trips to the 2026 World Baseball Classic last week, only two spots remained. The first of those was decided when Colombia went 3-0 in the Tucson (Ariz.) Qualifiers and booked its ticket to next year's tournament.

Colombia once again showcases its potential, clinching one of the most coveted tickets to the world's premier baseball event.

Colombia is going back to the World Baseball Classic. The team entered the Tucson Qualifier as the clear favorite, the country’s roster bursting with talent even after big league players such as José Quintana and Donovan Solano couldn’t participate.

The Star spoke to World Baseball Classic president Jim Small about Tucson hosting the WBC qualifiers, the process in returning pro baseball to Tucson and "the beauty of the WBC."