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 finalist countries attend the match, often seated alongside the host nation's leader. US President Donald Trump invited Milei to watch the game with him, but Milei 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 watch the final there as well. He explained to local radio station El Observador that he wears a branded oil company jacket during matches to avoid bad luck, recalling that removing it during the Switzerland game coincided with Argentina conceding a goal.

This superstition echoes a long-standing pattern among Argentine presidents, who have historically avoided attending World Cup matches due to fears of being a jinx. Former President Carlos Menem was labeled unlucky after Argentina's surprising loss to Cameroon in 1990, and since then, no sitting Argentine president has publicly attended a national team game. Superstitions and ritualistic behaviors are deeply embedded in Argentine culture, especially regarding support for the national men's football team.

Notably, Angel Di Maria, a key player in Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory, will also miss the final for similar reasons. The 2026 World Cup final will proceed without these prominent Argentine figures present in the stadium.