Raiko Arozarena Skips Cuba Call-Up Amid Fears of Being Denied Reentry to the U.S.

Raiko Arozarena, goalkeeper for Las Vegas Lights FC and brother of MLB star Randy Arozarena, chose not to travel to Havana for Cuba’s Concacaf World Cup qualifiers. According to the Morning Star, Arozarena was concerned about his immigration status and feared potential complications reentering the United States after international duty.

A key starter for Las Vegas in the USL Championship, Arozarena's team currently sits tenth in the Western Conference. Though his legal situation is stable, he opted to remain in the U.S. rather than take unnecessary risks that could affect his career or residency.

The Cuban Football Federation released a statement acknowledging his absence, noting that such decisions highlight how external factors can interfere with the sport’s natural development. Cuba was ultimately eliminated from the qualifiers after a 2-1 loss to Bermuda, a match that might have seen a different outcome with Arozarena in goal.