Argentina supporters have turned to their favourite World Cup superstitions ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final against England, with many freezing Harry Kane’s name in the hope of stopping the England captain from making an impact.
The ritual forms part of Argentina’s long-standing tradition of cabalas, lucky routines that fans believe can influence the national team’s fortunes.
Supporters across the country have repeated the same habits that accompanied Argentina’s successful World Cup run four years ago. Many wear the same shirts, sit in the same seats, eat the same meals and refuse to mention opponents by name, believing any change could bring bad luck.
“My friends and I have a ritual,” 13-year-old Ines Mutri said.
“We write the name of the star player and goalkeeper on the same piece of paper and freeze it in the freezer.
“This time we’re going to freeze Kane because he’s the top scorer.”
The practice has become increasingly popular during the tournament. Fans have also shared AI-generated images on social media showing rival players trapped inside blocks of ice as a symbolic way of stopping them from scoring.
Eighteen-year-old Juan Pablo Calvo said he planned to freeze Jude Bellingham’s name because he views the England midfielder as one of the biggest threats.
Argentina’s belief in cabalas stretches back decades. Former coach Carlos Bilardo, who guided the team to World Cup glory in 1986, famously followed elaborate matchday rituals, including deciding the order in which players stepped onto the pitch.
Current coach Lionel Scaloni has also admitted to following his own routine.
“I step onto the field with my right foot and make the sign of the cross,” Scaloni said earlier in the tournament.
Calvo will also wear a replica of the shirt Diego Maradona wore during Argentina’s victorious 1986 World Cup campaign.
“Even though Messi has already won every trophy there is to win, this is a special opportunity because he’s never faced England in a match like this, let alone in a semi-final,” Calvo said.
For many supporters, repetition remains the most important rule. Every victory means recreating exactly the same routine for the next match.
Mutri and her eight friends have watched every Argentina game wearing the same hats and sitting in the same places.
“I feel that the match against England is going to be a nerve-racking one, like all the others,” she said.
“But it’s going to be good. It’s going to be fun.”
