Havana Cheers World Cup, Forgetting Crisis for 90 Minutes

In Havana, the fervor for the 2026 World Cup is palpable, offering residents a brief respite from the island's deepening energy crisis. For 90 minutes at a time, football fans in the Cuban capital are able to forget the severe economic challenges and immerse themselves in the global tournament.

The iconic Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC) cultural center in Vedado became a focal point for this passion, opening its doors to transmit the match between Brazil and Morocco. Dozens of fans, clad in team colors and brimming with excitement, gathered to watch the game, which took place at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

“

We come for Brazil... we are fans of the Canarinha, and we came by street, whatever it takes... in almendrones.

"We come for Brazil... we are fans of the Canarinha, and we came by street, whatever it takes... in almendrones," shared Idania Heredia, a 50-year-old Havana resident, referring to the classic American cars that serve as shared taxis in the city. Her sentiment reflects the lengths to which Cubans will go to follow their beloved sport.

“

We are here at Fábrica de Arte for Brazil's first match, which will not be an easy game against Morocco. It is a team we respect a lot. But... we are going to fight.

The backdrop to this football celebration is a severe energy crisis that began in mid-2024 and has worsened due to a US oil blockade. The state economy is largely paralyzed, with projections of a 6.5% contraction this year and a cumulative drop exceeding 15% between 2020 and 2025. Public transportation has all but disappeared, with electric tricycles and few cars dominating Havana's streets. Fuel shortages have led the government to curtail public events since February.

Despite these difficulties, the FAC's special event, supported by the Brazilian Embassy in Cuba and other companies, brought people together. Brazilian Ambassador Christian Vargas expressed his joy at watching the match with "Cuban friends and many foreigners." Even the intense heat did not dampen the spirits of attendees, who cheered, celebrated goals, and displayed the adrenaline that football inspires, even when watched from afar.

“

I know that in this World Cup, they are also going to give it their all.