For just the second time in their history, Cuba will be competing at the FIFA U-20 World Cup™, making for an exciting return at this year’s instalment in Chile from 27 September to 19 October.
The Caribbean side overcame many hurdles to punch their ticket to the global showpiece. Their journey started in the qualifying stages of the 2024 Concacaf Men’s U-20 Championship where they produced a 2-1 win over hosts Nicaragua in Managua on the final matchday to advance to the Championship.
A solid 3-0 victory against Jamaica in the group stage helped cement their place in the quarter-finals, where they faced Concacaf U-20 heavyweights Honduras with a World Cup berth at stake. The Cubans never wavered and edged out a penalty shootout win to reach Chile 2025.
Cuba’s previous appearance at the U-20 World Cup came at Turkey 2013 when they finished in the group stage, so a new generation of players will be out to show the rest of the world the strides made in their country’s football.
Cuba’s Group D fixtures
28 September
Cuba v Argentina (20:00 local time, Estadio Elias Figueroa Brander)
1 October
Italy v Cuba (17:00 local time, Estadio Elias Figueroa Brander)
4 October
Australia v Cuba (20:00 local time, Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Pradanos)
The coach: Pedro Pablo Pereira
Pereira is a new arrival to the post, having been named head coach on 2 August. Fortunately for Cuba, there is plenty of continuity, as Pereira served as an assistant under former U-20 and senior national team head coach Yunielys Castillo. A man who recently obtained the UEFA A coaching license, Pereira is well-acquainted with the roster and will be seeking a positive start to his tenure.
Star player: Karel Perez
The left-back is the captain of the squad and already boasts a wealth of experience playing for clubs outside of the country, including in the youth system at Costa Rican giants Alajuelense and currently in Portugal with Vianense. He showed great maturity in Cuba’s qualifying run with well-taken penalties against Jamaica and then in the shootout with Honduras. Perez was a dominating force in the back, as well, with eight clearances and 22 steals in five matches. With 12 caps already with Cuba’s senior national team, Perez is the right man to lead this team forward in Chile.
One to watch: Romario Torres
Torres is another player with senior national team experience that will be relied upon in South America. The continent is familiar territory to Torres, who previously was in the youth system at Uruguayan powerhouse Nacional before transitioning to Costa Rican club Jicaral. While Torres has experience playing in defence, he will man the middle of the park at the World Cup for the Cubans, providing a safe outlet while in possession against three very difficult group opponents.
Photo courtesy of Concacaf
