Argentina's President Declines Trump Invitation, Will Watch World Cup Final from Home

Argentina's President Javier Milei, known for his fondness for Israel, has chosen not to attend the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Traditionally, top political figures from the finalist countries attend the match and sit alongside the host nation's leader. Although U.S. President Donald Trump invited Milei to watch the game with him, the Argentine president politely declined, citing a superstitious belief.

Milei has watched all seven of Argentina's previous matches in the tournament from his presidential residence, Quinta de Olivos, in Buenos Aires, and plans to do the same for the final. He explained to local radio station El Observador that he wears a branded oil company jacket during the games as a good luck charm, noting that when he removed it during the match against Switzerland, Argentina conceded a goal immediately.

This superstition echoes a long-standing pattern among Argentine presidents regarding the national soccer team. Since former President Carlos Menem's visit to the team in 1990, which coincided with an unexpected loss, Argentine presidents have avoided attending matches publicly, as they are considered bad luck. This cultural belief is widespread in Argentina, where rituals and superstitions play a significant role in supporting the national team.

Notably, Angel Di Maria, a key player in Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory, will also not attend the final for similar reasons. Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to be present at the stadium for the final match.