Cuba's chances of making the 2021 Gold Cup have been dashed by visa issues and COVID-19 restrictions ©Getty Images

Cuba's hopes of competing at the 2021 Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Gold Cup have been dashed after the team's match against French Guiana was cancelled due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

The Cuban team had also faced visa challenges for getting into the United States, where qualification for the tournament is taking place.

It gave French Guiana a default 3-0 win and they now go on to face Trinidad and Tobago in the second round.

Whoever wins that match will qualify for the Gold Cup, which is set to run from Monday (July 10) until August 1.

"CONCACAF has been in regular communication with the Cuban Football Association regarding their travel to the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup Preliminary Round," CONCACAF said in a statement.

"Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 related travel and visa challenges, and the required COVID-19 testing regime, their match against French Guiana will not take place.

"Given the current public health situation and the ongoing need for protocols to be adhered to, the health and safety of the participating teams cannot be compromised."

Guatemala are one of the teams looking to qualify for the Gold Cup on Tuesday ©Getty Images
Guatemala are one of the teams looking to qualify for the Gold Cup on Tuesday ©Getty Images

The Miami Herald reported yesterday that Cuba's team was stranded in Nicaragua and were unable to make it to the US.

Three spots are still to be determined from qualification, with the other two places going to the winners of the matches between Haiti and Bermuda and Guadeloupe and Guatemala.

These three matches are set to take place on Tuesday (July 6).

Mexico won their eighth Gold Cup title during the last tournament in 2019.