Angel Di Maria Declines Attendance at 2026 World Cup Final to Avoid Jinxing Argentina

Angel Di Maria, former Argentine national team star and key player in Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory, has denied reports that he will attend the 2026 World Cup final in the United States. The match, set to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, will feature Argentina against Spain. Di Maria stated with a smile that he will not travel to the event, saying, "No, are you crazy? I didn't go and I'm not going. I don't want to bring bad luck. I'll stay home and watch from there."

Despite his absence, Di Maria emphasized his continued support for his former teammates, saying, "They know they have my support from day one. I will cheer for them as always." He also expressed satisfaction with the national team's progress since his retirement, noting that he feels proud to have made way for younger players who have once again reached the final. "I am happy and excited. I feel I made an important step when I decided to leave room for the youth. They reached the final again, and after their performance, you can't ask for more."

Following Di Maria's announcement, other Argentine World Cup champions have been suggested as possible participants in the trophy presentation ceremony, including Mario Kempes, a hero of the 1978 victory, and Oscar Ruggeri, part of the 1986 winning team. No official responses have been released yet regarding their attendance.