France, Spain Set for Four-Game International Baseball Series in Barcelona

Barcelona will provide the stage for a four-game European baseball matchup as Spain and France prepare for the next step on the international calendar.

France will travel to Barcelona to face Spain in a four-game senior international friendly series from Oct. 4-7, 2026, at the Carlos Pérez de Rozas Baseball Field, with both teams using the matchup as preparation for the WBSC Premier12 2027 Barcelona Qualifier.

Ranked No. 25 in the world, France enters the series just one spot ahead of No. 26 Spain, setting up a closely matched test between two of Europe's leading national programs.

France names selection for Barcelona

France has announced a 22-player selection, with three additional players listed as reserves, for its Barcelona trip.

The selection features Ivan Acuna, Nicolas Antoine, Emile Brelle, Paolo Brossier, Felix Brown, Geffroy Coste, Franklin De La Rosa, Kenny Esposito, Frederic Hanvi, Gabriel Harrison, Leo Jiminian, Romain Krzywaniak, Nathan Laot, Oscar Lebouc, Thibault Mercadier, Julien Monks, Miguel Lopez, Quentin Moulin, Jose Paula, Esteban Prioul, Theo Rioux and Mael Zan.

Joris Bert, Baptiste Blancot and Tristan Laufenbuchler are listed as reserves.

The group includes players connected to clubs and organizations across France and international baseball, giving the national team a blend of domestic and overseas experience ahead of the four-game test.

Griffin leads France into Barcelona

Mike Griffin will manage the French national team during the series, supported by coaches Corey Lee, Reino Perez, Quentin Becquey and Dave Jauss.

The staff also includes Jesse Cook as accompanying staff, Thibault Biaison as physiotherapist and Rodolphe Le Meur as logistics coordinator.

France's preparation in Barcelona will be particularly valuable, with the same venue set to host the upcoming Premier12 qualifier. The four games will give the French players an opportunity to adjust to the field and playing conditions while facing a familiar European opponent.

A preview of what's ahead

The series carries added significance because Spain will soon welcome international competition back to the Carlos Pérez de Rozas Baseball Field for the Premier12 qualifier.

For France, the four-game set offers an extended opportunity to evaluate its selection and build cohesion before the next stage of international competition. Spain, meanwhile, will gain valuable experience on its home field ahead of the qualifier.

With two closely ranked European programs meeting across four games in Barcelona, the series offers more than international preparation. It provides an early look at the intensity and competition that will define the Premier12 qualifying stage.

Series Schedule:

Sunday, Oct. 4
 6 p.m. – Spain vs. France

Monday, Oct. 5
 6 p.m. – Spain vs. France

Tuesday, Oct. 6
 6 p.m. – Spain vs. France

Wednesday, Oct. 7
 10 a.m. – Spain vs. France