Argentina's President Milei to skip final over superstition

Argentine President Javier Milei will not attend the FIFA World Cup final this Sunday, July 19, 2026, citing a deeply held superstition. Instead, he will watch the championship match between Argentina and Spain from his presidential residence in Olivos, maintaining the exact routine he has followed for his nation's previous seven victorious games in the tournament.

Milei confirmed his decision in a radio interview on Thursday, July 16, stating he would watch the final from home "under no circumstances." He explained that his ritual includes wearing a specific heavy jacket from the state energy company YPF. He recounted that during Argentina's group-stage match against Switzerland, he removed the jacket because he was too hot, and the opposing team immediately scored. He put the jacket back on and has not taken it off during a match since.

The president's choice reflects a widespread cultural phenomenon in Argentina known as "cábalas," or ritualistic beliefs tied to football success. Fans commonly adhere to strict routines during a winning streak, such as wearing the same unwashed clothes, watching games from the same spot, or performing specific actions believed to influence the...