Cuba national football team facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Cuba

Nickname(s)	Los Leones del Caribe (The Lions of the Caribbean) Los Diablos Rojos (The Red Devils)
Association	Asociación de Fútbol de Cuba (AFC)
Confederation	CONCACAF (North America)
Sub-confederation	CFU (Caribbean)
Head coach	Yunielys Castillo
Captain	Karel Espino
Most caps	Yénier Márquez (126)
Top scorer	Lester Moré (30)
Home stadium	Estadio Pedro Marrero
FIFA code	CUB
First colours Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current	174 (7 February 2019)
Highest	46 (November – December 2006)
Lowest	182 (August 2017, March–May 2018)
Elo ranking
Current	121 6 (3 March 2019)
Highest	52 (February 2005)
Lowest	147 (September 2019)
First international
Cuba 3–1 Jamaica  (Havana, Cuba; 16 March 1930)
Biggest win
Cuba 11–0 Turks and Caicos Islands  (Havana, Cuba; 8 September 2018)
Biggest defeat
Sweden 8–0 Cuba  (Antibes, France; 12 June 1938)  Soviet Union 8–0 Cuba  (Moscow, Soviet Union; 24 July 1980)  Russia 8–0 Cuba  (Volgograd, Russia; 20 November 2023)
World Cup
Appearances	1 (first in 1938)
Best result	Quarter-finals (1938)
CONCACAF Championship / Gold Cup
Appearances	12 (first in 1971)
Best result	Fourth place (1971)
Medal record NAFC Championship Silver 1947 Cuba Team Bronze 1949 Mexico Team Caribbean Cup Gold 2012 Antigua and Barbuda Team Silver 1996 Trinidad and Tobago Team Silver 1999 Trinidad and Tobago Team Silver 2005 Barbados Team Bronze 1995 Cayman Islands and Jamaica Team Bronze 2007 Trinidad and Tobago Team Bronze 2010 Martinique Team

The Cuba national football team represents Cuba in men's international football. The team is controlled by the Asociación de Fútbol de Cuba (Football Association of Cuba). This association joined FIFA in 1932. It was also a founding member of CONCACAF in 1961.

The team is nicknamed Los Leones del Caribe, which means "The Lions of the Caribbean".

Cuba was the first team from the Caribbean to reach the Quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup. This happened in the 1938 World Cup. They beat Romania 2–1 in a replay match. However, they were then knocked out by Sweden with an 8–0 loss. Cuba has not played in the World Cup since then.

Cuba has also done well in other tournaments. They finished second in the North American Nations Cup in 1947. They were also second in the Caribbean Cup in 1996, 1999, and 2005. In 2012, they won the Caribbean Cup for the first time.

History of Cuban Football

Early Matches

Cuba played its very first international football match on March 16, 1930. This was during the 1930 Central American and Caribbean Games. They won against Jamaica 3–1 in Havana. Just four days later, they beat Honduras 7–0. José Tapia was their manager during this time.

Cuba tried to qualify for the 1934 FIFA World Cup in Italy. They played against Haiti and won all three matches. Then, they faced Mexico in three more games. Mexico won all of these matches. So, Cuba did not qualify for the 1934 World Cup.

World Cup Journey in 1938

The 1938 FIFA World Cup was held in France. Many teams from the Americas did not want to play there. Because of this, Cuba and Brazil were the only teams from the Americas that qualified.

The tournament was a knockout competition. Cuba's first match was against Romania on June 5, 1938. The game was a thrilling 3–3 draw, with goals from Hector Socorro and Tomás Fernández for Cuba.

They played a replay match on June 9. Cuba won this game 2–1, with goals from Socorro and Carlos Oliviera. This win meant Cuba moved on to the quarter-finals. In the quarter-final, Cuba played against Sweden on June 12. Sweden won the match 8–0, ending Cuba's World Cup journey.

Football from 1949 to 2000

Cuba tried to qualify for the 1950 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. They played against the United States and Mexico. Cuba finished third in their group and did not qualify.

After that, Cuba did not play in World Cup qualifiers again until 1966. They returned to qualification for the 1978 FIFA World Cup. For the 1982 FIFA World Cup, Cuba almost made it to the finals. They were only two points away from qualifying.

Recent Football History

The national football team of Cuba in 2009

In the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Cuba reached the quarter-finals. They beat Canada 2–0 in the group stage. In the qualifiers for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Cuba played Costa Rica. They drew 2–2 at home and 1–1 away, but Costa Rica advanced because of the "away goals" rule.

For the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Cuba drew 3–3 with Antigua and Barbuda. Then, they won the next match 4–1 to move to the next round. In that round, they played against the United States, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guatemala. Cuba finished fourth in the group, with one win against Guatemala.

In 2010, Cuba finished third in the 2010 Caribbean Cup. This earned them a spot in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup. In 2012, Cuba made history by winning the 2012 Caribbean Cup for the first time.

For the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Cuba was in a tough group with Honduras, Panama, and Canada. They had some close games but ended with one draw and five losses. Their only goal in the qualifiers was scored by Alberto Gomes against Panama.

Players Moving to Other Countries

Over the years, some Cuban football players have moved to other countries to play. For example, during the 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup in Los Angeles, two players, Rey Ángel Martínez and Alberto Delgado, decided to stay in the United States.

Other players, like Maykel Galindo in 2005, and Osvaldo Alonso and Lester More in 2007, also moved during Gold Cup tournaments. In 2008, seven players from the U-23 team, including Yeniel Bermúdez, Yordany Álvarez, and Yendry Díaz, moved while in Tampa, Florida. Later that year, Reynier Alcántara and Pedro Faife also moved.

More recently, in 2019, five players (Yordan Santa Cruz, Andy Baquero, David Urgelles, Orlendis Benítez, and Alejandro Portal) moved to Canada during a tournament. In 2023, four players (Roberney Caballero, Denilson Milanés, Neisser Sandó, and Jassael Herrera) moved while the team was in the United States for the Gold Cup. Another player, Sandy Sánchez, also moved after a game. These players often seek new opportunities to play football professionally.

Team Gear and Sponsors

Kit Sponsorship

Kit supplier	Period
Adidas	1981–1983
None	1984–1987
Adidas	1988–2012
Foward	2013
Joma	2015–present

Recent Matches and Schedule

Here are some of the recent match results for the Cuban national team, as of July 2025.

      Win       Draw       Loss

2024 Matches

• March 26: Cuba won 1–0 against Nicaragua in a friendly match.
• June 6: Cuba lost 3–1 to Honduras in a World Cup qualifier.
• June 11: Cuba won 3–0 against Cayman Islands in a World Cup qualifier (awarded).
• September 6: Cuba drew 0–0 with Jamaica in the Nations League.
• September 10: Cuba drew 1–1 with Nicaragua in the Nations League.
• October 10: Cuba drew 2–2 with Trinidad and Tobago in the Nations League.
• October 14: Cuba lost 3–1 to Trinidad and Tobago in the Nations League.
• November 14: Cuba lost 2–1 to Saint Kitts and Nevis in a Gold Cup qualifier.
• November 18: Cuba won 4–0 against Saint Kitts and Nevis in a Gold Cup qualifier, winning 5–2 overall to advance.

2025 Matches

• March 21: Cuba lost 2–1 to Trinidad and Tobago in a Gold Cup qualifier.
• March 25: Cuba lost 4–0 to Trinidad and Tobago in a Gold Cup qualifier, losing 6–1 overall and not qualifying for the Gold Cup finals.
• June 6: Cuba won 1–0 against Antigua and Barbuda in a World Cup qualifier.
• June 10: Cuba lost 2–1 to Bermuda in a World Cup qualifier.

Coaching History

Current Players

Team Members

The following 23 players were chosen for the World Cup qualification matches in June 2025.

Player information is correct as of June 10, 2025, after the match against Bermuda.

No.	Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
1	1GK	Ismel Morgado	(2003-05-31) 31 May 2003 (age 22)	5	0	Junior de Managua
12	1GK	Raiko Arozarena	(1997-03-27) 27 March 1997 (age 28)	17	0	Las Vegas Lights
21	1GK	Yurdy Hodelin	(2005-09-23) 23 September 2005 (age 19)	1	0	Consultants
2	2DF	Ricardo Polo	(2005-05-14) 14 May 2005 (age 20)	0	0	Santa Rosa
3	2DF	Camilo Pinillo	(2005-02-21) 21 February 2005 (age 20)	1	0	Lierse
4	2DF	Cavafe	(1999-04-25) 25 April 1999 (age 26)	27	2	Unión Adarve
5	2DF	Karel Pérez	(2005-08-25) 25 August 2005 (age 19)	12	0	Gil Vicente
6	2DF	Pedro Bravo	(2001-12-05) 5 December 2001 (age 23)	6	1	Limón Black Star
8	2DF	Leandro Mena	(2005-02-03) 3 February 2005 (age 20)	4	0	PFA Antioquia
22	2DF	Orlando Calvo	(1999-04-09) 9 April 1999 (age 26)	12	0	Inter San Carlos
23	2DF	Josué Valdez	(2003-04-14) 14 April 2003 (age 22)	0	0	Masachapa
10	3MF	Dairon Reyes	(2003-09-18) 18 September 2003 (age 21)	20	1	Inter Miami II
13	3MF	Diego Catasus	(2005-04-03) 3 April 2005 (age 20)	7	0	Latina Calcio
14	3MF	Karel Espino	(2001-10-27) 27 October 2001 (age 23)	33	2	Comunicaciones
15	3MF	Marcos Campos	(2005-11-15) 15 November 2005 (age 19)	2	0	PFA Antioquia
16	3MF	Rey Rodríguez	(2003-01-15) 15 January 2003 (age 22)	10	0	Masachapa
18	3MF	Yasniel Matos	(2002-03-29) 29 March 2002 (age 23)	34	3	Municipal
7	4FW	Willian Pozo-Venta	(1997-08-27) 27 August 1997 (age 27)	27	4	Grorud
9	4FW	Maikel Reyes	(1993-03-04) 4 March 1993 (age 32)	53	13	Managua
11	4FW	Onel Hernández	(1993-02-01) 1 February 1993 (age 32)	15	4	Norwich City
17	4FW	Martín Rodríguez	(2005-08-31) 31 August 2005 (age 19)	2	0	Yverdon Sport
19	4FW	Jorge Aguirre	(2000-01-05) 5 January 2000 (age 25)	2	1	Panetolikos
20	4FW	Alessio Raballo	(2006-09-09) 9 September 2006 (age 18)	3	0	Parma

Other Players Called Up Recently

These players have also been part of the Cuba squad in the last year.

Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club	Latest call-up
DF	Yosel Piedra	(1994-03-27) 27 March 1994 (age 31)	46	2	AD San Carlos	v.  Trinidad and Tobago, 26 March 2025
DF	Dariel Morejón	(1998-12-21) 21 December 1998 (age 26)	45	0	Santa Ana	v.  Trinidad and Tobago, 26 March 2025
DF	Alejandro Delgado	(2003-02-14) 14 February 2003 (age 22)	13	0	ART Municipal Jalapa	v.  Trinidad and Tobago, 26 March 2025
DF	Elvis Casanova	(2005-09-17) 17 September 2005 (age 19)	6	0	Consultants	v.  Trinidad and Tobago, 26 March 2025
DF	Mario Peñalver	(2003-01-06) 6 January 2003 (age 22)	8	0	ART Municipal Jalapa	v.  Nicaragua, 14 October 2024
MF	Yunior Pérez	(2001-03-12) 12 March 2001 (age 24)	30	0	Malacateco	v.  Trinidad and Tobago, 26 March 2025
MF	Romario Torres	(2005-02-09) 9 February 2005 (age 20)	12	0	Jicaral	v.  Trinidad and Tobago, 26 March 2025
MF	Michael Camejo	(2005-03-17) 17 March 2005 (age 20)	4	0	PFA Antioquia	v.  Saint Kitts and Nevis, 18 November 2024
FW	Daniel Díaz	(1994-03-27) 27 March 1994 (age 31)	17	0	Inter San Carlos	v.  Trinidad and Tobago, 26 March 2025
FW	Christian Flores	(1999-04-06) 6 April 1999 (age 26)	3	1	Inter San Carlos	v.  Trinidad and Tobago, 26 March 2025
FW	Aniel Casanova	(2005-09-17) 17 September 2005 (age 19)	3	1	Consultants	v.  Trinidad and Tobago, 26 March 2025
FW	Luis Paradela	(1997-01-21) 21 January 1997 (age 28)	39	11	Universitatea Craiova	v.  Saint Kitts and Nevis, 18 November 2024
FW	Reydel Sánchez	(2004-01-01) 1 January 2004 (age 21)	5	0	Los Llanos	v.  Saint Kitts and Nevis, 18 November 2024 INJ
FW	David Pérez	(2005-04-24) 24 April 2005 (age 20)	1	0	La Habana	v.  Nicaragua, 10 September 2024
INJ Player withdrew from the squad due to an injury.

Player Records

Players in bold are still active with Cuba

Most Games Played

Yénier Márquez has played the most games for Cuba, with 126 appearances.

Top Goal Scorers

Lester Moré has scored the most goals for Cuba, with 30 goals.

Tournament Records

FIFA World Cup Record

Cuba has played in one FIFA World Cup.

FIFA World Cup Record
Year	Result	Position	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	Squad
1938	Quarter-finals	7th	3	1	1	1	5	12	Squad
Total	Quarter-finals	1/22	3	1	1	1	5	12	—

CONCACAF Gold Cup Record

Cuba has played in the CONCACAF Gold Cup many times.

CONCACAF Championship & Gold Cup Record
Year	Result	Position	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	Squad
1971	Fourth place	4th	5	1	2	2	5	7	Squad
1998	Group stage	10th	2	0	0	2	2	10	Squad
2002	Group stage	11th	2	0	1	1	0	1	Squad
2003	Quarter-finals	8th	3	1	0	2	2	8	Squad
2005	Group stage	12th	3	0	0	3	3	9	Squad
2007	Group stage	12th	3	0	1	2	3	9	Squad
2011	Group stage	12th	3	0	0	3	1	16	Squad
2013	Quarter-finals	8th	4	1	0	3	6	13	Squad
2015	Quarter-finals	8th	4	1	0	3	1	14	Squad
2019	Group stage	16th	3	0	0	3	0	17	Squad
2023	Group stage	15th	3	0	0	3	3	9	Squad
Total	Fourth place	12/28	40	5	6	29	30	121	—

Caribbean Cup Record

Cuba has had good success in the Caribbean Cup.

CFU Championship & Caribbean Cup Record
Year	Result	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	Squad
1992	Fourth place	5	2	2	1	4	2	Squad
1995	Third place	5	3	0	2	9	6	Squad
1996	Runners-up	5	3	1	1	7	2	Squad
1999	Runners-up	4	3	0	1	8	3	Squad
2001	Fourth place	5	1	2	2	5	7	Squad
2005	Runners-up	3	2	0	1	5	2	Squad
2007	Third place	5	2	1	2	7	6	Squad
2008	Fourth place	5	2	2	1	7	4	Squad
2010	Third place	5	3	1	1	5	4	Squad
2012	Champions	5	4	0	1	5	2	Squad
2014	Fourth place	4	1	2	1	5	5	Squad
Total	1 Title	51	26	11	14	67	43	—

Achievements

Regional Titles

• NAFC Championship
  • Runners-up (1): 1947
  • Third place (1): 1949
• Caribbean Cup
  • Champions (1): 2012
  • Runners-up (3): 1996, 1999, 2005
  • Third place (3): 1995, 2007, 2010
• Central American and Caribbean Games
  • Gold medal (1): 1930

Summary of Medals

Senior Competition				Total
NAFC Championship	0	1	1	2
Total	0	1	1	2

See also

In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Cuba para niños

• Cuba national under-20 football team
• Cuba national under-17 football team