On Tuesday, Tele Rebelde announced on Facebook that it would broadcast live the FIFA 2026 World Cup semifinals: France vs. Spain at 3:00 PM this Tuesday, and England vs. Argentina at the same time on Wednesday. However, the Cuban public's reaction was less about soccer and more about the ongoing power outages affecting the island.
Hundreds of comments on the state-run channel's announcement reflected the widespread frustration over the crippling energy crisis. The recurring question, "With what electricity?" captured the sentiment, with responses ranging from bitter indignation to dark humor.
One user summed up the general mood with the comment: "I hope the National Electric System (SEN) can coordinate with FIFA so we can enjoy the games." Another user sarcastically remarked, "FIFA is going to donate two power plants and a ship full of oil so our SEN will let us watch the matches."
References to the National Electric System (SEN) were frequent. A humorous play on words read, "Without SENse or SENsibility, the SEN SENtences us to sit in vain on SENsational occasions." A more succinct comment declared, "The blackout is the champion."
Several Cubans shared that they hadn't been able to watch a full match throughout the tournament. One person lamented, "I've had such long blackouts, over 20 hours, that I thought the World Cup was already over." Another pointed out the daily paradox: "We haven't seen any game; it seems electricity is inversely proportional to soccer."
The dual issue of blackouts and lack of television signal was also highlighted in the comments. A resident from Santa Cruz del Norte, Mayabeque, noted that while there was power, there was no TV signal. In Colón, Matanzas, it was reported that they hadn't had a signal for months. From Holguín, it was mentioned that the Ramón de Antillas transmitter has been out of service for a while.
"And who exactly is Tele Rebelde broadcasting to?" questioned a commenter, noting that over 90% of the population, particularly in places like Pinar del Río and the Minas de Matahambre municipality, had no access to either the World Cup or the Baseball Classic.
The energy crisis underlying these complaints is severe. On July 10, Cuba experienced its fourth nationwide blackout of the year when a failure in the 220 kV line between Santa Clara and Sancti Spíritus left nearly 10 million people without power. On July 8, the country hit a record deficit of 2,341 MW, with 11 out of 16 thermoelectric plants offline and 106 distributed generation plants without fuel as of July 13.
Regarding sports predictions, Argentina was frequently favored to win the title, followed by Spain and France. The Argentina vs. England semifinal sparked historical references, with many recalling the Falklands War and the 1986 Mexico match featuring Maradona's "Hand of God" and "Goal of the Century." Some viewers requested changes to Tele Rebelde's commentators; others suggested using the original narration in any language.
Some opted for practical resignation: "I've got the radio on full blast to listen to the match on Rebelde. If it's not in vain." Others pointed to internal inequality: "Only for those with solar panels."
"My favorites are Apagonia and No Signalonia," quipped another user, capturing the experience of millions of Cubans during what's become the most invisible World Cup in recent memory.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis During the World Cup
Why are Cubans unable to watch the World Cup matches?
Due to ongoing power outages and lack of television signal, many Cubans are unable to watch the World Cup matches. The country's energy infrastructure is struggling, leading to frequent blackouts.
What is the state of Cuba's energy infrastructure?
Cuba's energy infrastructure is in a dire state, with significant power deficits and many thermoelectric plants out of service. This has resulted in widespread blackouts across the island.
How are Cubans reacting to the power crisis during the World Cup?
Cubans have expressed their frustration through social media, using humor and sarcasm to cope with the situation. Many have turned to radios or solar panels as alternatives to watch or listen to the matches.