Superstitions Influence Argentine President’s Decision on World Cup Attendance
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, President Javier Milei has announced he will not be attending the World Cup final due to superstition. Instead, he plans to watch Sunday’s match between Spain and Argentina from his home. In doing so, Milei hopes to maintain the winning streak of the defending champions. To aid his nation’s soccer team in securing a second consecutive title, Milei will wear the same heavy jacket he’s donned throughout Argentina’s victorious seven matches.
Superstitions, or ‘cábalas,’ are prevalent in Latin America, especially Argentina. These ritualistic beliefs and habits are deeply embedded in the intensity with which Argentines watch their national team play. Milei previously mentioned he would stay home in Buenos Aires rather than attend the match in New Jersey alongside U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. He clarified, “No way,” when asked about travel plans on Thursday.
Speaking on local Buenos Aires radio station El Observador, Milei shared additional insights into his superstitions. The president revealed that during a specific game against Switzerland, he took off his oil company-branded jacket due to the heat, subsequently leading to a goal against Argentina. The jacket has remained on ever since.
“Since it’s cold and I don’t turn on the heat, I wear an oil company-branded jacket. The day of the Switzerland game, it made me really hot. I took it off, and they scored a goal against us. I put it back on and never took it off again.”
Like Milei, many Argentines follow cábalas by sticking to the exact same routine if their team is winning. Fans and players alike refrain from washing jerseys, wear identical clothing, and watch games from the same spot. If someone happens to be in the bathroom when Argentina scores, they may be restricted from watching at all.
Minor actions, such as those depicted in a popular video, hold incredible significance. A group of fans began reading from the Bible as Argentina scored against Egypt, repeating the ritual in subsequent matches. Another ritual involves freezing figurines or player names of the rival team to influence outcomes.
Argentine presidents historically exercise caution regarding attendance at high-stakes World Cup matches to avoid bringing bad luck. The belief originates from the 1990 event when President Carlos Menem visited the squad right before Argentina’s unexpected defeat to Cameroon, earning him the label of a ‘mufa,’ or jinx. No sitting Argentine president has since attended a national team match.