New York Cosmos vs. Cuba Match Time & TV Listings: Soccer Team Will Become First Team to Take on Cuba Since 1978 [Pics]

By Robert C. Weich III First Posted: Jun 02, 2015 11:54 AM EDT

The New York Cosmos soccer team arrived in Havana Sunday ahead of their historic match against the Cuban national soccer team Tuesday.

The Cosmos will be the first team to play a match in Cuba since 1978. The match is part of the United States' plans to restore diplomatic ties with the island nation of Cuba.

Plans for the match were first announced in March, Reuters reports.

"We had several trips to Washington, my colleagues met with the State Department officials responsible, and they've been truly fantastic, a lot of support," said Seamus O'Brien, chairman of the North American Soccer League club.

O'Brien said that Cuba will be the 42nd country the Cosmos have played in after recent trips to Hong Kong and El Salvador.

"It's not just what you do in your own country. It's a global game," O'Brien said. "It's a global economy and we want to be a part of it."

Cuban national coach Walter Benitez considers it a privilege to play against the Cosmos. The Cosmos gained worldwide popularity in the 1970s with players like Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, Giorgio Chinaglia and Carlos Alberto. The team folded in the 1980s but made a comeback in 2009.

"This will be a historical match, and we will enjoy it," Benitez said.

O'Brien said the team planned to have a full day of training Monday, play the game on Tuesday and return to the U.S. on Wednesday.

"We are extremely privileged and honored to accept this opportunity," O'Brien said.

O'Brien added that once talks between Cuba and the U.S. occurred, both sides were very excited and quickly agreed to the match.

Pele arrived with the team Sunday at the Jose Marti International Airport. According to reports, he was swarmed by those who wanted to send him their best wishes. The former soccer star has been ill in recent months, according to The Independent.

Click here to find out how to watch the game.