Milei and Infantino highlight political ties to 2026 World Cup

Argentina's President Javier Milei publicly declined to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, claiming a superstition that the team would lose if he watched the match in the stadium. He said he would stay home, wear a jacket, and follow the game remotely, joining the few heads of state who have avoided attending Argentina’s key fixtures in person.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, meanwhile, thanked former U.S. President Donald Trump for his role in making the 2026 World Cup the biggest sporting event in history, stating that without Trump’s support the tournament would not have been possible. Infantino’s remarks sparked discussion about the intersection of politics and sport.

Both statements illustrate how political figures are linking themselves to the global tournament, either through personal beliefs or public praise of political allies.