State-run channel Tele Rebelde took to Facebook to announce its plans to broadcast the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals. Instead of excitement, the post sparked a flood of angry and sarcastic comments from Cubans, highlighting a harsh reality: for the majority, watching the matches is a fantasy due to ongoing power outages and lack of internet access.
The sentiment of the people was quickly summed up in a comment: "Serious question for you all, with what power? With what signal? Explain that to me, because I don't know," wrote one user, unwittingly coining the slogan for a situation the regime refuses to acknowledge.
Another commenter was more blunt: "Experience the passion, without signal and without power," parodying the channel's promotional language. A third user sarcastically requested, "Send me an ecoflow, please. And a signal too," referring to the portable batteries many Cubans desperately seek to weather the blackouts.
The pent-up frustration from the tournament was evident in another post: "I've only managed to catch the final minutes of one game: Argentina-Egypt, due to power cuts. I thought the World Cup had been canceled."
Cubans' Growing Frustration with Power and Connectivity Issues
One of the most poignant comments took aim at the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, the country's largest: "Where's the broadcast, at the Guiteras?" This joke encapsulates months of despair, as the Guiteras has suffered 17 breakdowns this year alone.
Power issues are inextricably linked with connectivity problems. A user from Ciego de Ávila confirmed: "We'll see it if they broadcast the signal, because here in Ciego de Ávila, there's never any signal."
Tele Rebelde's track record with the World Cup hasn't helped build trust. On June 11, the channel aired only 10 minutes of the opening ceremony before switching to cycling and volleyball, prompting an initial wave of criticism.
Following complaints, the channel promised on June 13 to air all knockout matches with daily re-broadcasts. Yet, the outcry from sports fans indicates that promise hasn't materialized for most.
The most anticipated match is between Argentina and Switzerland, set for the early morning of July 12 in Kansas City, following Argentina's dramatic comeback against Egypt (3-2) in the round of 16, with goals from Messi, Romero, and Enzo Fernández in the final 12 minutes.
A user posed a question with a double edge: "Will they turn on the lights on July 11? So we can watch the Argentina game," subtly referencing the fifth anniversary of the massive July 11 protests of 2021, when thousands of Cubans took to the streets demanding freedom and electricity.
"Cuba, as always, turning its back on the world," wrote another user. And a final comment summed up the bleak picture with bitterness: "This year has been disastrous; we haven't been able to enjoy this World Cup, without power, without signal, terrible."
The Dire State of Cuba's Electricity Crisis
Cuba is grappling with its worst electricity crisis in history. On July 8, a record deficit of 2,341 MW was recorded, leading to power cuts lasting between 15 and 24 hours daily in Havana and up to 87 consecutive hours in provinces like Matanzas.
On July 6, the third nationwide blackout of the year occurred, leaving over 10 million people without electricity. In response, Díaz-Canel merely urged authorities to "better organize the scheduling of disruptions," without announcing any structural measures.
Understanding Cuba's Power Crisis and Its Impact on Daily Life
Why are Cubans frustrated with Tele Rebelde's World Cup coverage?
Cubans are frustrated because ongoing power outages and connectivity issues make it nearly impossible for them to watch the World Cup matches, despite Tele Rebelde's announcements.
What is the significance of the Antonio Guiteras plant in Cuba's power crisis?
The Antonio Guiteras plant is the largest thermoelectric plant in Cuba, and its frequent breakdowns this year have symbolized the country's ongoing electricity crisis.
How has the electricity crisis affected daily life in Cuba?
The electricity crisis has led to widespread power cuts, affecting daily life by disrupting access to information, internet connection, and basic amenities across the country.