Soccer devotion runs deep in Latin America ahead of the World Cup

Soccer devotion in Latin America extends far beyond the stadium.

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, fans across the region describe rituals, beliefs and emotional bonds tied to their teams that resemble forms of collective devotion.

In Argentina, supporters perform “cábalas” — repeated actions believed to influence the outcome of a match, In Brazil and Chile, fans speak of clubs and players with language more commonly associated with faith and community.

From Boca Juniors tattoos and Maradona images carried like sacred objects to lifelong rituals, soccer fandom becomes a source of identity, belonging and collective joy.