U.S. President
Donald Trump
recently put forth a travel ban limiting civilians from 12 countries of 12 nations from entering the United States. Seven further countries, including Cuba, were placed on a restricted list.
This development led to Cuban national team’s captain and starting goalkeeper, Raiko Arozarena—the sibling of Seattle Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena—and he also plays for the
Las Vegas
Lights of the USL, to withdraw from his national team ahead of a home meeting against the Cayman Islands in a key qualifier for the 2026 World Cup.
Throughout his presidency, Trump has stayed deeply involved in the sports sphere, often engaging in disputes with team owners.
such as Jeffrey Lurie of the Philadelphia Eagles
) or getting involved in security matters —
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents might be stationed at the Club World Cup matches in the upcoming weeks.
— the President leaves his mark.
READ MORE:
The owner of the Philadelphia Eagles has made a $50 million contribution following RFK Jr.’s contentious political strategy.
READ MORE:
Kelsey Plum prepared to face consequences to shed light on WNBA problem following her ‘fed up’ declaration.
Arozarena began as goalkeeper for Cuba during their 1-0 victory away against Antigua & Barbuda but decided not to join his team for a home match due to concerns about being denied entry into the United States.
When his team was defeated with a score of 2-1 by the Cayman Islands, he did not participate in the game. Currently, Cuba ranks third in Group 1A during the second phase of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying. Only the leading two nations will proceed to the concluding stage.
“The actions of Arozarena highlight the extent to which the uncertain and pressurized environment created by these US government initiatives and campaigns aimed at sports pose a threat,” stated the Cuban Football Association in an official release.
In 2021, Arozarena, who was 28 years old at the time, signed with the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Prior to this, he began his professional journey in Cuba and later moved to the Lights in 2024. Additionally, he represents the Cuban national team, earning 16 appearances so far.
Cuba has played four out of their six matches in the qualification group, facing teams like Honduras, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and Antigua and Barbuda. It’s been quite some time since they last made an appearance at the World Cup; back in 1938, they unexpectedly reached the quarterfinals.
Cuba did not manage to secure a spot in the 2025 Gold Cup. They previously took part in the 2023 event but were eliminated in the initial stage.
READ MORE:
Chelsea criticized for ‘astonishing’ move that has bolstered Arsenal.
READ MORE:
Cristiano Ronaldo’s brief statement encapsulates the essence of Viktor Gyokeres’ potential move to Manchester United.
The island country doesn’t have many well-known figures. Onel Hernandez, who plays as a winger for Norwich City in England’s Championship (the second tier), is considered the team’s most notable player based on his club performances.
Hernandez appeared in 26
Premier League
games for the Canaries throughout the 2019-20 season, with one goal.
Leave a Reply