Cristóbal Soria Advocates for an End to the Cuban Regime with The Pichy Boys: "Long Live Cuba... and if it Can Be Free, Even Better"

On Saturday, Cristóbal Soria, a contributor to El Chiringuito de Jugones, made a special appearance at The Pichy Boys' studio in Miami. During this visit, they recorded a podcast focusing on the 2026 World Cup, which culminated in a heartfelt discussion about Cuba, its regime, and the aspiration to see the island nation compete in a future World Cup.

As the show concluded, the Cuban duo expressed their gratitude to Soria for his continual support: "I want to thank you on behalf of all Cubans for supporting our activism towards the freedom of our country, for helping us denounce the dictatorship, and for always being vigilant." Soria, unwavering in his response, said, "The feeling is mutual. I have a special affection for Cubans. I am aware of the ongoing suffering under the repression that still exists on the islands."

The Sevillian commentator went further, sharing his hope for the fall of the Cuban regime with the same optimism with which he celebrated the end of the Venezuelan regime: "I hope sooner rather than later we can witness the end of that Cuban dictatorship, just as we have recently seen the end of the Venezuelan one, and you know I always wish the best for all the Cuban people."

However, the most viral moment came via social media. Soria posted an 11-second video reel on his official Facebook page alongside The Pichy Boys, with the caption "Long Live Free Cuba…!!! My brothers The Pichy Boys…!!!" The post garnered over 365,000 views, 18,000 likes, and more than 1,100 comments from the Cuban community. In the video, the famed contributor exclaims, "Long Live Cuba... and if it can be free, even better."

Dreams of a Cuban World Cup Appearance

During the nearly hour-and-a-half-long episode, the trio also envisioned Cuba qualifying for the 2030 World Cup, set to take place in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. The Pichy Boys reminisced about Cuba's participation in the 1938 World Cup and their victory over France, highlighting that the island once had players in Real Madrid. "Nothing would please me more than seeing Cuba return to the World Cup in Spain," Soria responded.

The relationship between the Spanish commentator and the Cuban duo dates back several years. In July 2021, during the 11J protests, Soria voiced his support for the Cuban people with the hashtag #SOSCuba, which was widely appreciated both within and outside the island.

Analyzing World Cup Favorites

As for soccer predictions, Soria identified France as the favorite to win the tournament due to having "three of the top five players in the world": Mbappé, Olisé, and Dembélé. However, he also pointed out their vulnerability: "France lacks a goalkeeper, and that is an extremely important position on the field." His forecast for the four semifinalists included Argentina, Spain, France, and Morocco.

Regarding the Spanish team, Soria defended them despite a draw against Cape Verde, emphasizing Pedri as the team's linchpin: "He is the best midfielder in the world, the one who dictates the team's play." Addressing Pochettino and the United States, he was blunt: "Winning a World Cup is for those over 18. It's a grown-up affair. The United States is still in its adolescence."

He also critiqued Neymar's call-up by Brazil as "populism, a signing for the stands" and questioned recent decisions by Florentino Pérez at Real Madrid, asserting that "the solution to Real Madrid's problems does not involve hiring Mourinho, not at all."

The episode wrapped up with a symbolic toast that encapsulated the spirit of the gathering: a free Cuba competing against the United States in the World Cup in Spain. "Hopefully, that's the problem we'll face in the next World Cup, and that we experience it together," Soria concluded.