Trump to Attend World Cup Final as Milei Stays Home to Preserve Argentina’s “Good Luck”

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published July 17, 2026

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is taking on an added political dimension after the White House confirmed that US President Donald Trump will attend the highly anticipated match, while Argentine President Javier Milei has decided to remain at home to avoid disrupting what he considers a winning ritual.

Trump is expected to attend the final on Sunday, July 19, at the New York–New Jersey stadium, where he is likely to sit alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other international dignitaries in the official VIP section.

His appearance will place the US president at the centre of one of the world’s largest sporting events, as the United States prepares to conclude a tournament it co-hosted with Canada and Mexico.

Milei, however, has ruled out travelling to the United States and plans to watch the match from the presidential residence in Olivos, where he has followed Argentina’s previous games during the tournament.

The Argentine president said he did not want to change the routine that had accompanied the national team’s successful World Cup campaign, describing his decision as an attempt to preserve the team’s good fortune ahead of the final.

Milei has reportedly watched Argentina’s victories from the same location while wearing a jacket carrying the logo of Argentina’s state-controlled energy company, YPF.

He also recounted that he briefly removed the jacket because of the heat during Argentina’s match against Switzerland. Shortly afterward, Argentina conceded a goal, prompting him to put it back on and continue wearing it during the team’s matches.

Superstitious rituals are deeply rooted in Argentine football culture, with many supporters repeating the same clothing choices, seating positions and match-day routines whenever the national team continues to win.

While Milei follows the final from Argentina, Trump’s attendance is expected to give the match additional diplomatic and political significance, with senior Spanish officials and other international representatives also expected to be present.

Spain reached the final after defeating France 2–0 in the semifinal, while Argentina secured its place with a dramatic 2–1 victory over England.

The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, at 3 p.m. Eastern Time.