Argentine President Javier Milei has decided not to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain, choosing instead to watch the match from his official residence because of a long-held superstition.
While several world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, are expected to attend Sunday’s final in New Jersey, Milei believes sticking to his match-day routine gives Argentina the best chance of winning a second straight World Cup title.
Javier Milei Chooses Superstition Over Stadium Visit
Speaking to Buenos Aires-based radio station El Observador on Thursday, Milei confirmed that he would not travel to the United States for the final.
When asked if he would join Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the stadium, Milei replied, “No way.”
Instead, he said he would continue watching the match from the presidential residence in Olivos, where he has watched Argentina’s previous seven World Cup matches. Argentina has won every one of those games.
The Lucky Jacket Milei Refuses To Remove
Milei also shared another personal ritual that he believes has helped Argentina’s winning run.
He revealed that he wears the same heavy oil company-branded jacket during every World Cup match, even though the weather is cold and he does not switch on the heating.
Recalling Argentina’s match against Switzerland, Milei said he briefly removed the jacket because he felt too warm. During that period, Switzerland scored. He immediately put the jacket back on and has continued wearing it throughout every game since.
According to Milei, he has no plans to change that routine before the final.
Superstitions Are A Big Part Of Argentine Football Culture
Superstitions, known locally as “cábalas,” play an important role in Argentine football culture.
Many supporters believe repeating the same habits during a winning streak brings good luck to the national team. As a result, fans often avoid changing anything while the tournament is underway.
Some supporters wear the same jersey for every match and refuse to wash it until the competition ends. Others sit in the exact same seat during every game. In some families, a person who was away from the television when Argentina scored is even asked to stay away for the rest of the match.
Fans Continue Their Lucky Rituals Throughout The Tournament
This year’s World Cup has produced several examples of these traditions.
One widely shared video showed a group of Argentine fans reading passages from the Bible just as Argentina started scoring against Egypt. Since then, they have repeated the same ritual before every match.
Meanwhile, some supporters perform rituals aimed at bringing bad luck to opponents. These include freezing paper with rival players’ names or placing figurines representing the opposing team inside a freezer.
Although these practices have no scientific basis, they remain deeply rooted in Argentina’s football culture.
Why Argentine Presidents Avoid Important World Cup Matches
Milei’s decision also follows a long-standing political superstition in Argentina.
The belief dates back to the 1990 FIFA World Cup when then-President Carlos Menem visited the national team before its opening match against Cameroon. Argentina unexpectedly lost that game, and many supporters blamed Menem for bringing bad luck.
He was later labelled a “mufa,” an Argentine term used for someone believed to bring misfortune.
Since then, no sitting Argentine president is known to have attended one of the national team’s World Cup matches, especially during the later stages of the tournament.
Argentina Chasing Another World Cup Title
Argentina will face Spain in one of the biggest matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
While players prepare on the field, millions of supporters across Argentina will also follow their own lucky rituals, hoping they help Lionel Messi and his teammates defend the World Cup crown.
For President Javier Milei, that means staying at home, wearing the same jacket, and refusing to change a routine that has coincided with Argentina’s perfect run to the final.