Cuba National Team — FIFA World Cup History
CONCACAF · 1 World Cup appearances · Quarter-finals (1938)
Overview
Cuba made history in 1938 by becoming the first Caribbean nation to play at the FIFA World Cup. In a remarkable campaign, they reached the quarter-finals after defeating Romania in a replay, making them one of only four CONCACAF teams to reach the knockout stage.
The 1938 World Cup remains Cuba's only appearance, but it was memorable. After drawing 3-3 with Romania, Cuba won the replay 2-1 before losing 8-0 to Sweden in the quarter-finals. Héctor Socorro scored three goals across the tournament, becoming Cuba's World Cup hero.
The national team has played a crucial role in developing football in the region and inspiring future generations of players. Their World Cup appearances have showcased the growth of football in CONCACAF and demonstrated their ability to compete on the global stage. The team continues to work towards consistent World Cup qualification and improved performances at the tournament.
Quick Stats
- Appearances
- 1
- Titles
- 0
- Runner-up
- 0
- Third place
- 0
- First appearance
- 1938
- Last appearance
- 1938
- Confederation
- CONCACAF
World Cup Appearances
| Year | Host | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1938 | France | Quarter-finals |
Achievements
- Quarter-finals: 1938
- First Caribbean nation at World Cup
- Beat Romania 2-1 in replay
- 3 World Cup matches played
- 1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss
- 5 goals scored
Legendary Players
- Héctor Socorro — Cuba's World Cup hero with 3 goals in 1938. Scored twice against Romania in the 3-3 draw and once in the replay. Top scorer for Cuba.
- Tomás Fernández — Scored the winning goal in the 2-1 replay victory over Romania. Played all 3 World Cup matches in 1938.
- José Magriñá — Scored in the 3-3 draw with Romania. Played all 3 World Cup matches in 1938. Key forward for Cuba.
- Juan Tuñas — Goalkeeper who played all 3 World Cup matches in 1938. Kept Cuba competitive despite the 8-0 loss to Sweden.
- Manuel Chorens — Defender who played all 3 World Cup matches in 1938. Part of Cuba's historic quarter-final run.
- Jacinto Barquín — Midfielder who played all 3 World Cup matches in 1938. Experienced player in Cuba's World Cup squad.
Tactical Identity
Cuba's 1938 team played with spirit and determination, overcoming the odds to reach the quarter-finals. They showed resilience by coming back in the replay against Romania after the dramatic 3-3 draw.
The team's strength lay in their attacking play and never-say-die attitude. Though outclassed by Sweden, Cuba's achievement in reaching the quarter-finals as the first Caribbean nation remains historic.
Head-to-Head Highlights
- Cuba's greatest World Cup moment was the 2-1 replay victory over Romania in 1938, with Héctor Socorro and Tomás Fernández scoring. The original match ended 3-3 after extra time.
- Sweden crushed Cuba 8-0 in the quarter-finals, ending their remarkable run. Despite the heavy defeat, Cuba had already made history as the first Caribbean World Cup team.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Cuba played in the FIFA World Cup?
Cuba has played in 1 FIFA World Cup tournament: 1938 in France. They played 3 matches with 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss, scoring 5 goals. They reached the quarter-finals.
Has Cuba ever won the World Cup?
No, Cuba has never won the FIFA World Cup. Their only appearance was in 1938, where they reached the quarter-finals before losing 8-0 to Sweden.
What was Cuba's best World Cup performance?
Cuba's only World Cup appearance was in 1938 in France, where they reached the quarter-finals. They beat Romania 2-1 in a replay after a 3-3 draw, before losing to Sweden.
When did Cuba first appear in the World Cup?
Cuba first appeared in the FIFA World Cup in 1938 in France. They became the first Caribbean nation to play at the World Cup and reached the quarter-finals, a remarkable achievement.