For the first time since 2016, Cuba are back on futsal’s biggest stage after qualifying for the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024™. The Caribbean side got the job done in dramatic fashion with a narrow 2-1 victory over Dominican Republic in the Concacaf Futsal Championship quarter-finals in April.

Spearheading the Cubans’ excellent display was Jonathan Hernandez, who led the team in scoring with five goals as they finished runners-up. Cuba will now meet tournament favourites Brazil, plus fellow continental heavyweights Croatia and Thailand, in Group B at the global finals. The 23-year-old pivot tells FIFA that Cuba have been in dreamland ever since their stunning qualification, and that they are aiming to make history in Central Asia.

What was the moment like when you all qualified for the World Cup?
Jonathan Hernandez: It was an amazing feeling. We couldn’t believe it when we achieved it. We laughed and we still really couldn’t believe it once we got back to the hotel where we were staying, the fact that we were going to the World Cup. This is such a young team – the average age is just 22 years old – and we achieved that qualification. In the semi-finals we then managed beat Costa Rica and made history, because Cuba had never defeated Costa Rica in qualifying. It was amazing. In a lot of ways we still can’t believe that we qualified.

What did you feel personally in the moment when you all had qualified?
I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. I just felt so happy about the performance from the boys. It was like we had achieved the best feeling in the world, that it was a dream coming true, a dream every player has and we managed to do it.

You led the team with five goals in qualifying. What was the key to your performance?
It was all down to the work put in by the team that allowed me to score those goals. Nobody can score those goals by themselves; it has to be a team effort by the players and from what the coach brings with his game tactics. We were able to get the results we needed and I was able to get goals.

How is preparation for the World Cup coming along?
We are planning on going to Europe to prepare ourselves, we have that laid out. The idea is that we would go and play in Spain. It’s not set in stone yet, but that is what we would do to get ready for the World Cup.

What are you all expecting from this World Cup?
We are going there with a lot of expectations and motivation. Right now, the number-one objective is to advance past the group stage. Cuba have never achieved that, so that is our primary goal. I think if we are able to achieve that, it would be our best performance ever at a World Cup.

How hungry is this group to make history for your country?
We really want to do it. We want to make history for Cuba and that is providing us with motivation. Everyone on this team wants to be the first Cuba team to make it to the next round.

What does it mean to play on the Cuban national futsal team?
It is really wonderful to play on this team because when you are on the national team, you give it your very all. You play until the final second of the match. For us, it is an honor to represent the national team of Cuba.

What are your thoughts on your group opponents Brazil, Croatia and Thailand?
They are very strong opponents because all three teams are in the top 20 of the FIFA futsal rankings, but Cuba are a good team as well. As I say like a good Cuban, everyone plays with two feet, and our entire team will give it our all. We will not be afraid of anyone. We are going to play our game and with our weapons, we feel like we can do damage to opponents.

How much are you looking forward to playing Brazil?
It will be the toughest game. We know what Brazil are. They are amazing! It will be great to face Brazil because they will be coming with all of their stars, many well-known players in the biggest clubs, so it is going to be a wonderful experience to play against Brazil in a World Cup.

What is the future of Cuban futsal?
It has a very bright future. Since we are now going back to a World Cup, I think that will help people focus in on futsal in the country.

Is there a particular player you are excited to watch or play against at the World Cup?
I can’t wait to go up against Ferrao of Brazil. I’ve watched him a lot on television. He’s a pivot like me, so it will be a pleasure to see him play and play against him.