Argentine Coaches Unable to Travel to Cuba Due to U.S. Restrictions

The coaches of the Argentine national basketball team, Pablo Prigioni and Herman Mándole, will be unable to attend the upcoming World Cup qualifying window on November 27 in Havana.

According to a report from Basket Plus, Prigioni and Mándole would be unable to return to the United States if they were present in Havana, as both are residents of the North American country. Prigioni is an assistant coach for the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves, while Mándole serves in the same role for the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the G-League, the United States' second-tier league.

The limitations imposed by the U.S. embargo on Cuba will prevent the Argentine team from having its head coaches available. For residents, the U.S. does not permit re-entry if they set foot on Cuban soil, a regulation that negatively impacts sports.

Nico Casalánguida will act as head coach for the match in Havana. Casalánguida boasts several titles from his career in professional leagues in countries such as Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, and Venezuela. He has also previously coached with both the Argentine and Venezuelan national teams, participating in four World Cups and one Olympic Games.

Cuba and the Impacts of the Embargo on Basketball

Cuban basketball has suffered numerous setbacks due to the U.S. embargo.

In February 2024, Cuba played against the United States with only seven players, who were the only ones granted visas to enter U.S. territory. Furthermore, in February 2025, the Cuban team did not receive visas to enter Puerto Rico. Consequently, the Cubans forfeited the match against Puerto Rico, losing their chance to qualify for the AmeriCup despite having had the opportunity nearly secured.

The U.S. embargo continues to directly and indirectly affect Cuban sports.