Cuba hopes for World Cup respite from US sabre-rattling – but prepares for the worst

The Guardian World Thursday 11 June 2026, 12:00 UTC By Ruaridh Nicoll in Havana 1 min read

Key Points

With some matches being held in nearby Miami, a Cuban response to US military action could mar the tournamentAs Cuba crumbles under a nearly five-month-long US oil blockade, many on the island hope that the World Cup might save the island from US attack – or at least offer a respite until the competition ends on 19 July. “The beginning of the World Cup will make it more difficult for the United States to carry out a military action in Cuba,” said Carlos Alzugaray, Cuba’s former ambassador to...

With some matches being held in nearby Miami, a Cuban response to US military action could mar the tournament

As Cuba crumbles under a nearly five-month-long US oil blockade, many on the island hope that the World Cup might save the island from US attack – or at least offer a respite until the competition ends on 19 July.

“The beginning of the World Cup will make it more difficult for the United States to carry out a military action in Cuba,” said Carlos Alzugaray, Cuba’s former ambassador to the EU. “Cuba is very close to the US, and can hit many targets inside the US, especially in south Florida, with drones or other weapons.”

Cuba (LOCATION) World Cup (EVENT) US (LOCATION) Miami (LOCATION) Cuban (ORG) the World Cup (EVENT) the United States (LOCATION) Carlos Alzugaray (PERSON) EU (ORG) Florida (LOCATION)

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Cuba hopes for World Cup respite from US sabre-rattling – but prepares for the worst

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