Rituals and superstitions grip Argentina ahead of World Cup final

As Argentina prepares to face Spain in the World Cup final, fans across the country are clinging to a tapestry of rituals and superstitions, known locally as 'cábalas,' to will the Albiceleste to victory. These practices range from wearing unwashed jerseys to freezing images of rival players, and are deeply embedded in the nation's football folklore. Source: eldiado

Common rituals

Many fans, like Walter Reynoso, travel hundreds of kilometers to repeat routines from previous triumphs. 'Our ritual is to come to Buenos Aires and eat at the same grill before the match,' Reynoso told EFE. Others, such as David Vallarino, refuse to wash their match jerseys: 'I have the shirt all dirty from the celebrations and I'm not going to wash it, and it will stay that way until Sunday.' Source: infobae

Family traditions

Superstitions often become collective ceremonies. Andrea Gómez gathers her family in the same seating arrangement each game, while María Sol Noguera eats the same ice cream at the 60th minute, mimicking the moment Lionel Messi scored against Algeria. Some fans, like Valentina Moreno, avoid watching altogether: 'When the games start, I leave. One day I went out and when I reached the corner, Argentina scored. That's my ritual.' Source: eldiado

A cultural phenomenon

The term 'cábala' originates from Jewish mystical tradition, but in Argentina it has evolved to denote essential good-luck habits. Many believe that breaking these patterns could cause defeat. The rituals have been repeated since the 2021 Copa América, through the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa América victories, making them a cornerstone of Argentine football culture. Source: infobae