World Cup Final: Argentina's President Milei to Watch from Home

Argentine President Javier Milei has announced he will not be present at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, opting instead to continue his "good luck ritual" by watching the match from home. Milei stated that under no circumstances would he deviate from this tradition, which has accompanied him throughout his country's journey to the final.

The president revealed his unique superstition involves wearing a thick jacket from the oil company YPF during every match. He explained that he began wearing it during the quarter-final against Switzerland due to the cold and a reluctance to turn on the heating. "When I took it off, we conceded a goal, so I put it back on and haven’t taken it off since," Milei shared, highlighting the jacket's perceived role in his team's success.

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Under no circumstances would I break my so-called good luck ritual of watching World Cup matches from the presidential residency, as I have done in the lead-up to Sunday’s final.

Argentina secured its spot in the final by defeating England 2-1 in the semi-finals. The match is scheduled to take place in New Jersey. Notable attendees expected at the final include Spain's King Felipe VI and U.S. President Donald Trump, contrasting with Milei's decision to remain in Argentina.

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Since it was cold and I don’t turn on the heating, I use a jacket from the oil company which, on the day of the match against Switzerland, kept me really warm. When I took it off, we conceded a goal, so I put it back on and haven’t taken it off since.