Héctor Villar, the host of Cuba's state-run sports show 'La Jugada Perfecta,' made a surprising appearance at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday. He was present for the final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup between Spain and Argentina.
Just five weeks after being denied entry into the United States by immigration authorities while attempting to cover the tournament, Villar was spotted in the stadium's stands, where the showdown between La Roja and the Albiceleste took place.
Villar shared two videos on his Instagram account from the stadium, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere of the final. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to New York for the grand final. Here we are, who will win?" he exclaimed in one of the clips.
In another video, Villar, donning a Spanish team jersey, predicted the outcome. "Here we are. The cup is ours. The final is spoken in Spanish. Who wins? The image says it all. I believe this will happen: Spain champion," he stated in the video recorded in the U.S.
His prediction came true as Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time, with a goal from Ferran Torres in the 106th minute, witnessed by 80,663 spectators.
On June 13, Villar was turned away by U.S. immigration authorities and sent back on the same flight he arrived on, as reported by AmericaTeVe. No official explanation was provided, a common occurrence in such cases.
This incident occurred amid the Trump administration's stricter immigration policy towards Cuba. A presidential proclamation dated June 4, 2025, limited entry for Cuban nationals with B-1, B-2, F, M, and J visas, citing Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Additionally, the U.S. Embassy in Havana is rigorously enforcing section 212(a)(3)(D) of the Immigration Act, which bars entry to individuals affiliated with the Communist Party, directly impacting employees of Cuban state institutions.
Villar's presence at the tournament's most significant game—where the average resale ticket price was around $11,117, according to TickPick, and the cheapest ticket cost about $6,861—raises unanswered questions about how he managed to enter the country after being denied weeks earlier.
FIFA reportedly tripled the price of premium seating to $32,970, compared to an initial price of $6,730.
Villar is recognized as a pro-government journalist with access to privileges uncommon for the average Cuban. In October 2024, he sparked controversy by promoting the leasing of a Mercedes-Benz in Cuba, and repeated this in May 2025 from Madrid, both actions criticized given the island's ongoing economic crisis.
The MetLife Stadium, boasting a capacity of 82,500, was selected by FIFA in February 2024 as the venue for the 2026 World Cup final, outpacing Dallas and Los Angeles. The event was also attended by President Donald Trump, who arrived via Marine One 90 minutes before the match began.
While Villar enjoyed the final in New Jersey, millions of Cubans on the island faced challenges in watching the tournament on TV due to persistent power outages plaguing the country.
Questions About Héctor Villar's U.S. Entry and World Cup Attendance
How did Héctor Villar manage to attend the World Cup final after being denied entry to the U.S.?
It remains unclear how Villar was able to attend the final, as there are unanswered questions about his subsequent entry into the U.S. after being previously denied.
Why was Héctor Villar denied entry to the United States?
Villar was denied entry amid the Trump administration's tightened immigration policies towards Cuba, including restrictions on Cuban nationals with certain visas, though no specific official reason was given for his case.
What controversy surrounds Héctor Villar?
Villar has faced criticism for promoting high-end purchases, such as leasing a Mercedes-Benz, which stands in stark contrast to the economic hardships faced by many in Cuba.