In the midst of the World Cup frenzy, Paraguayan President Santiago Peña is making headlines not just for his leadership, but for his unique blend of superstition and support for the national team. As Paraguay prepares for a critical match against France, Peña’s personal rituals and public actions are drawing attention both at home and abroad.

President Peña, a conservative leader and former central banker who took office in 2023, has been notably enthusiastic about Paraguay’s surprising success in the World Cup. His commitment was on full display when he traveled to the United States to witness Paraguay’s opening match and met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However, following a loss to the United States, some Paraguayans speculated that Peña’s presence might have been bad luck for the team.

Opting out of attending the second match against Turkey, Peña remained in Paraguay, focusing on his presidential duties, including a critical congressional address and a summit for the Mercosur regional trade bloc. His decision to stay home was not just due to his official responsibilities; it also reflected a growing sense of superstition about his presence at the games.

The president's superstitions became even more evident during Paraguay’s knockout match against Germany. Choosing to watch the game from his home in Asunción, Peña was seen in a social media post wearing the national team’s jersey and signing the order for a national holiday following their victory, a move mirroring his actions when Paraguay first secured their spot in the tournament.

Peña’s superstitious nature is no secret. He openly admitted to Paraguayan media, “I’m going to watch [the match against France] at home, just like I did last time... I’m a bit of a superstitious person, you know? So, I prefer to just watch from here.” His decision reflects a belief that his location during the game could influence the outcome, a sentiment that resonates with many sports fans worldwide.

Beyond superstitions, Peña’s actions underscore a broader strategy of leveraging football to foster national unity and advance Paraguay’s international profile. According to Greg Ross, a Paraguay specialist at McLarty Associates, “When Paraguay wins on the world stage like it did against Germany, it becomes clear cause for celebration... It also offers an opportunity to project a sense of national unity that is usually difficult to achieve in the day-to-day of Paraguayan politics.”

As Paraguay faces France today, all eyes will be on the field and on President Peña’s living room, where the most superstitious man in Paraguayan politics will be watching, perhaps with fingers crossed, hoping his presence at home brings good luck to the team.