A 29-second clip shared on TikTok by user @geylaneira on June 18 has quickly become one of the most shared videos of the week, thanks to its simple yet clever concept: What if Cuba participated in the 2026 World Cup and, instead of the national anthem, "Dichávate" played instead?
According to the viral video by Geyla on TikTok, the answer is clear: players wouldn't be able to resist dancing. The imagined scene of a Cuban national team grooving to the beat during the opening ceremony has triggered laughter from over 261,400 viewers, garnered 27,000 likes, and was shared 5,601 times in just a few days.
The humor resonates because it bridges two distinct Cuban realities: the painful absence of the national team from the tournament, and the sweeping cultural phenomenon that the reparto music genre has become worldwide.
The Struggles of Cuban Soccer
Cuba's hopes of advancing in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers were dashed on June 11, 2025, after a 1-2 defeat against Bermuda in their own stadium in Santiago de Cuba. The team needed at least a draw to make it to the final round of qualifiers for the first time in 44 years, but a defensive error allowed Reggie Lambe to score the winning goal. Currently ranked 18th in the Concacaf standings, Cuba has not qualified for a World Cup in decades.
The irony is stark: the 2026 World Cup is being held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada—just miles away from the island—but Cubans can't even watch the matches comfortably. Due to a severe power crisis, following the games at home is nearly impossible, and Tele Rebelde only aired 10 minutes of the opening ceremony before switching programming. Crowds gather in public spaces like the entrance of Cine Yara in Havana to watch the matches.
Cultural Influence: "Dichávate" Goes Global
While Cuba's soccer team is absent from the tournament, "Dichávate" has taken the world by storm. Released on December 24, 2025, by Ya Ice Dilan, Rey Tony, Hela Busador, and DJ Honda, the song has surpassed 40 million views on YouTube and has become one of the most frequently used sounds on TikTok since January 2026. It reached number one on Peru Songs and number five on Spain Songs.
The global reach of the track is undeniable. In May, Vinicius Jr. shared an Instagram story featuring "Dichávate," and Maluma posted a TikTok video with the song that garnered 4.2 million views. In February, Cuban dancers from Bad Bunny's dance troupe brought the reparto to the Super Bowl 2026.
This paradox is precisely what Geyla's video captures: While Cuba cannot participate in the World Cup as a sporting nation, it is omnipresent culturally. The Cuban reparto echoes in the phones of soccer stars, stadiums, and the grandest stages worldwide, as the national team watches the tournament from the sidelines and fans on the island search for a screen to catch the action.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Cultural Impact
Why is "Dichávate" so popular globally?
"Dichávate" has gained global popularity due to its catchy beat and the international influence of Cuban music. The song has been featured on social media by celebrities and has been used in major events like the Super Bowl 2026.
How did Cuba perform in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers?
Cuba was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers after losing to Bermuda. They needed a draw to advance but were unable to achieve it due to a defensive mistake that led to a decisive goal by Reggie Lambe.
What challenges do Cubans face in watching the World Cup?
Cubans face significant challenges in watching the World Cup due to a severe electrical crisis that limits their ability to watch games at home. Many resort to gathering in public areas to follow the matches.