Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, will not travel to the 2026 World Cup final, opting to follow his personal «good luck» rituals rather than attend the match in person.
Milei has maintained a «good luck» routine of watching Argentina’s World Cup matches, each resulting in victory for the defending champions, from home. He said that «under no circumstances» will he break this pattern ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated match between his country’s team and Spain.
«I’m going to keep watching the matches from [the official residence in] Olivos, just like on the first day,» Milei told radio station El Observador on Thursday, as reported by the Buenos Aires Times.
The president acknowledged his decision to stay home is rooted in superstition.
Milei also plans to wear a branded jacket from oil and gas company YPF, which he had on during Argentina’s match against Switzerland.
«On the day of the match against Switzerland, I got really hot. As soon as I took it off, they scored against us, so I put it back on and haven’t taken it off since,» he explained.
Like Milei, many Argentines practice ritualistic habits, known locally as cabalas, when their team is winning. These traditions can range from watching matches with the same group of people throughout the tournament to casting spells on the opposing team.
The 2026 World Cup final will be played on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Spanish King Felipe VI and his family, as well as US President Donald Trump, are expected to attend the match.
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