Why Argentina’s President won’t attend the World Cup final?

BUENOS AIRES: As Argentina prepares for one of the biggest matches in its football history, President Javier Milei has surprised fans by announcing that he will not attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 final in New Jersey, choosing instead to watch the game from home because of a personal superstition he believes has brought the national team good fortune.

According to international media reports, Milei declined an invitation to attend the final alongside US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, despite the global significance of the event and Argentina’s place in the championship match against Spain.

When asked why he would miss such a historic occasion, the Argentine leader explained that he has watched every one of Argentina’s World Cup matches from home and believes changing that routine could bring bad luck to the team.

“I’ll watch the final from home,” Milei said, insisting that he does not want to alter the ritual that has accompanied Argentina’s successful run to the final.

The president also revealed the story behind what many are calling his “lucky jacket.” During Argentina’s match against Switzerland, he said he removed his heavy jacket after feeling too warm. Moments later, Switzerland scored against Argentina. Convinced the timing was more than a coincidence, he immediately put the jacket back on and kept wearing it until the final whistle.

Since then, Milei has reportedly refused to change the routine and confirmed that he plans to wear the same jacket while watching the World Cup final.

His comments have sparked widespread discussion across social media, with many Argentine supporters admitting they share similar football superstitions. From lucky shirts and special seats to match-day rituals, fans often believe that small personal traditions can influence the outcome of crucial games.

The president’s decision is also linked to a long-standing political tradition in Argentina. Since the country’s shock defeat to Cameroon in the opening match of the 1990 FIFA World Cup—when then-President Carlos Menem attended the game in person—Argentine presidents have generally avoided watching the national team live from the stadium during major tournaments.

Whether based on coincidence or belief, Milei’s decision has added another fascinating chapter to Argentina’s World Cup journey.

As millions of supporters around the world eagerly await the showdown with Spain, the Argentine president will be cheering from home—wearing his trusted jacket and hoping that the ritual he believes has helped carry the team this far will end with football’s most coveted prize returning to Buenos Aires.