Sport: Soccer Country: Spain Category: Scores & Results

Argentina's President Milei will watch World Cup final from home

Yahoo Sports • 2 min read • Latest: Jul 16, 2026, 11:09 PM

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

Argentina's President Milei will watch World Cup final from home

Summary

Argentina President Javier Milei announced he will not attend the World Cup final against Spain, citing superstition. He plans to watch the match from his residence in Olivos, where he believes his presence has contributed to Argentina's victories throughout the tournament. Milei has worn the same jacket during games and refuses to change his routine during the World Cup to avoid jinxing the team. His decision reflects a cultural tradition in Argentina where many fans adhere to superstitions regarding the national team. No sitting Argentine president has attended a World Cup match since 1990 due to past associations with bad luck.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Milei will watch the final from his residence
•He believes previous victories are linked to his superstitions
•Argentine presidents have avoided matches since 1990
•Milei plans to wear the same jacket during the match
•Superstitions are common among Argentine fans

Latest Updates

8:38 AMYahoo Sports — Superstition: Argentina president won't attend World Cup final
5:34 AMYahoo Sports — Argentina’s President Milei says superstition will stop him from going to the World Cup final
11:09 PMYahoo Sports — Argentine President Milei won’t attend the World Cup final, citing superstition

What they're saying

"
Argentina President Javier Milei said on Thursday he won't be attending the World Cup final because of superstition, instead choosing to view Sunday’s match between Spain and Argentina from home — where he has watched the defending champion's previous seven games, all victories, in the tournament. In a bid to help his nation’s beloved soccer team secure its second consecutive title, Milei added, he'll be wearing the same heavy jacket, too. When asked Thursday whether he'd travel to New Jersey for Sunday's game to watch alongside his close ally U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, as was widely expected, Milei replied, “No way."
— Yahoo Sportsby ISABEL DEBRE

"
Argentina's Präsident Javier Milei will not attend Sunday's World Cup final between his country's team and Spain for superstition reasons. Asked by radio station El Observador whether he would travel to the United States for the big match in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Milei said: "No, definitely not.
— Yahoo Sports