Cuban Soccer Enters a New Era

Following the announcement of Pedro Pablo Pereira as head coach of both the senior national team and unfortunately, the under-20 squad as well, Cuban soccer begins a new chapter with renewed hopes and expectations.

The new manager’s debut will take place in the 2025–2026 Concacaf Friendly Series, hosted by the Dominican Republic starting this Wednesday. Cuba will first face Saint Lucia, followed by a match against Martinique on the 15th.

A Renewed Squad and Fresh Vision

As with any new project, the first major indicator is the team selection, which often provides insight into the coach’s intentions. In this case, there is a clear focus on rejuvenating the squad, with a significant number of players from the under-20 team that impressed at the last FIFA U-20 World Cup—14, to be exact—along with a surprise inclusion: attacking midfielder Eloy Nebrada.

This young player has generated considerable excitement in Spain, where he competes with Real Sociedad’s reserve team in the third division. In fact, media outlets from San Sebastián have speculated about his reunion with Jorge Aguirre, a striker who also came through Real Sociedad’s youth system and now plays for Panetolikos in Greece’s top tier.

Both players were born in Spain to Cuban mothers. Additionally, two other players born outside the island, who were part of the U-20 World Cup roster, are returning: Alessio Raballo, born in Italy to a Cuban mother, and Camilo Pinillo, born in Belgium to a Cuban father.

Modest Rivals, but No Guarantees

In theory, Cuba’s upcoming opponents are not considered heavyweights, yet recent results have shown that underestimating any team can be costly. In the last FIFA window, Cuba suffered a humiliating defeat against Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and also lost to Grenada—teams with less footballing history than, as one might say, a cat waiting for the door to be opened.

It is well known that excelling at youth levels does not always translate into senior success, and some prospects may fail to meet expectations. Thus, this tournament presents an ideal moment to separate the boys from the men. Still, whatever happens in the Dominican Republic should not be seen as a definitive judgment on any player who struggles in his debut.

Building Toward the Future

The most encouraging aspect is that this new coaching staff will have several months to develop true teamwork ahead of the more critical competitions—those that should help Cuba reclaim a competitive standing in the Concacaf Nations League.

By that time, key players such as goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena, defender Carlos Vázquez, and forwards Onel Hernández and Luis Daniel Paradella—the most prominent figures of the previous cycle—are expected to rejoin the team.

With this inevitable blend of youth and experience, Cuba can realistically aim for modest short-term objectives, which, given the disastrous recent results, would still represent meaningful progress.