Eye On The Ball: Why Skipping FIFA World Cup Final May Be Argentina President Javier Milei’s Smartest Political Play

Published 17 July 2026 · sports

Eye On The Ball: Why Skipping FIFA World Cup Final May Be Argentina President Javier Milei’s Smartest Political Play Written By, Last Updated: July 17

Eye On The Ball: Why Skipping FIFA World Cup Final May Be Argentina President Javier Milei’s Smartest Political Play Written By, Last Updated: July 17, 2026, 18:02 IST Milei has watched all seven of Argentina's previous tournament matches from home, a run that has seen the defending champions remain unbeaten By staying in Buenos Aires, Milei is also cleverly navigating a long-standing domestic political minefield. Argentine folklore dictates that politicians who show up to major sporting events carry a mufa (a jinx). File pic/Reuters Argentine President Javier Milei has confirmed he will not travel to the United States to attend Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final against Spain at MetLife Stadium. Despite receiving high-profile invitations to sit alongside global dignitaries, including US President Donald Trump and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, Milei is choosing to remain at the presidential residence, the Quinta de Olivos. While heads of state typically relish the global spotlight of a World Cup final, observers say Milei’s refusal to fly to New Jersey is being hailed by many sections in Argentina as a stroke of political genius. By prioritising deep-rooted footballing superstitions over an international photo-op, the libertarian leader has aligned himself perfectly with the cultural psyche of his electorate.

Submitting to the Power of the Cábala In Argentina, footballing superstitions—known locally as cábalas—are treated with absolute seriousness. Milei has watched all seven of Argentina’s previous tournament matches from home, a run that has seen the defending champions remain unbeaten. To break this routine for the final would be seen by millions of superstitious fans as an act of reckless cosmic sabotage. Milei’s decision to stay put shows a profound understanding of his country’s emotional landscape. He has even publicly detailed his match-day ritual, which involves wearing a thick, state oil company-branded (YPF) jacket in a room with no heating. During the quarter-final against Switzerland, Milei briefly took the jacket off, only for Argentina to instantly concede a goal. He immediately put it back on, Argentina won, and he has vowed “under no circumstances" to alter the routine for Sunday. Sidestepping the Politician’s Curse By staying in Buenos Aires, Milei is also cleverly navigating a long-standing domestic political minefield. Argentine folklore dictates that politicians who show up to major sporting events carry a mufa (a jinx). The Ghost of 1990: President Carlos Menem famously attended Argentina’s opening match of the 1990 World Cup, which resulted in a shocking, historic defeat to Cameroon.