Javier Milei will not be present in the stands of the MetLife Stadium this Sunday when Argentina faces Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
The Argentine president confirmed on Thursday that he will not travel to the United States for the match, and his reason is purely superstitious, not political.
In an interview with Radio El Observador 107.9, Milei firmly stated, "There is no way I am traveling to the United States this Sunday. I will watch the game from Olivos, just like I did on the first day." When asked if this decision was a superstition, he simply replied, "yes."
The president elaborated that since the tournament began, he has watched every game in the cinema room of the Quinta de Olivos presidential residence in Buenos Aires, accompanied by his sister, Karina Milei, who is the General Secretary of the Presidency. "I watch the matches from Olivos like the first day. It's a superstition; I watch the games in Olivos' cinema with my sister," he stated.
This ritual is complemented by another habit: Milei wears a jacket from the state-owned oil company YPF as a lucky charm, a practice he adopted during the match against Switzerland after noticing Argentina scored a goal just after he had removed it.
Several outlets, including AS and NTN24, have confirmed the president's absence is solely due to superstition and not political or diplomatic reasons.
Milei's decision is in stark contrast to other global leaders who will attend the match. Donald Trump will be present at the final and will present the trophy to the winning team alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, as confirmed by the White House on Thursday.
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum will also attend, having received an invitation from Trump. On the Spanish side, the royal family—King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofía—will be at MetLife Stadium.
The final between Argentina and Spain is a historic encounter, as neither team has faced the other in a World Cup final before. Argentina reached the decisive match after defeating England 2-1 in the semifinals, while Spain knocked out France 2-0 in Dallas.
Milei also took the opportunity in the interview to refute rumors circulating on social media about an alleged fixing of the tournament in favor of Argentina, dismissing such claims as "nonsense."
The president has offered the Casa Rosada for the national team to celebrate there if they win the title, although he clarified that he will not appear in the official photograph to avoid politicizing the sporting achievement.
The final is set to kick off at 3:00 p.m. Cuba time, with Slovenian Slavko Vincic appointed by FIFA as the referee, and Lionel Messi aiming for his third World Cup gold medal at the age of 39.
Frequently Asked Questions About Javier Milei's Absence from the World Cup Final
Why is Javier Milei not attending the World Cup final?
Javier Milei is not attending the World Cup final due to personal superstitions, not for political reasons.
Who will be attending the World Cup final?
Notable attendees include Donald Trump, who will present the trophy, and the Spanish royal family. Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum will also be present.
What superstitious rituals does Javier Milei follow?
Javier Milei watches matches from the cinema room of the Quinta de Olivos with his sister and wears a YPF jacket as a lucky charm.