Argentine President Javier Milei is drawing attention for his decision to watch the World Cup final against Spain from his official residence rather than at the stadium, citing a desire to uphold a superstition in hopes of the national team winning the 2026 North and Central America World Cup.
In an interview with the local Buenos Aires radio station El Observador, President Milei was asked if he planned to travel to New Jersey to watch the final alongside U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. He responded, "Absolutely not."
He emphasized, "I will continue to watch all remaining Argentina national team matches on TV from the presidential residence."
The reason President Milei insists on watching on TV is due to a unique Argentine superstition known as "cabalas."
Regarding his personal "cabalas" ritual, President Milei explained, "It was cold, but I didn't turn on the heat, and I was wearing a jacket with an oil company brand on it." He added, "During the quarterfinal match against Switzerland, I took off the jacket because I was hot, and Argentina conceded a goal. So I put the jacket back on, and I haven't taken it off since."
He added, "I will be wearing that thick jacket during the final for Argentina's second consecutive World Cup title."
Coincidentally, President Milei has watched all seven matches Argentina has played in this World Cup on TV from his residence, and Argentina has won every game to reach the final.
According to the Associated Press, Argentine presidents have long refrained from attending World Cup matches in person to avoid bringing bad luck to the national team.
This superstition dates back to the 1990 World Cup in Italy.
At the time, then-Argentine President Carlos Menem visited the national team squad just before the opening match, and Argentina lost 1-0 to Cameroon in their Group B opener.
Since then, President Menem was branded with the term "mufa," which refers to a jinx or bad luck, and it is known that subsequent Argentine presidents have avoided watching national team matches in person.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)