King Felipe VI Travels to World Cup Final, Argentine President Skips Due to Superstition

Spanish King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will be present at the World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, to support their national team. The King had promised to attend if Spain reached the final after their group stage match against Uruguay. Queen Letizia and their daughters will accompany him. Prime Minister Sánchez will also attend if Spain secures a chance at their second World Cup title.

However, Argentine President Javier Milei will not travel to the United States to cheer for his team. When asked about attending the final, Milei stated he would watch from home, continuing a ritual he believes brings luck to his team. He revealed he took off his jacket during the quarterfinals against Switzerland, after which they conceded a goal, prompting him to wear it continuously since.

“

No, definitely not.

This practice is rooted in 'cábalas,' specific rituals deeply embedded in Argentine football culture. Believers hold that repeating certain actions or wearing particular items can influence a team's victory. These rituals often involve watching games from the same spot or wearing the same clothing. Milei also mentioned he would make the Casa Rosada presidential palace available to the team if they win the final.

“

then we conceded a goal... so I put it back on and haven't taken it off since.