Argentina Narrowly Advances to World Cup Quarterfinals with Fan Support in Creative Ways

2026 World Cup Key News

(Central News Agency, Buenos Aires, July 7) - Argentina narrowly defeated Egypt 3-2 in the 2026 World Cup on July 7, thrillingly advancing to the quarterfinals. Large crowds of fans gathered in Buenos Aires city squares, not only with cheers and shouts that echoed through the sky, but also with fans in special costumes and lucky rituals to support the national team, showcasing Argentina's unique football culture.

The World Cup Round of 16 match kicked off at 1 PM on a weekday afternoon in Argentina. The fan plaza set up by the Buenos Aires city government was packed with people, with many families and friends gathering to watch the game. In addition to the stadium filled with Argentine blue and white striped jerseys and national flags, some wore wigs, draped themselves in capes, and even transformed into superheroes from movies, cheering for the national team in various ways.

Among them, a 25-year-old fan named Giant Etcheveste, dressed in a blue Spider-Man costume, was particularly eye-catching. He told CNA in an interview that he has been wearing the Spider-Man costume to support Argentina in every important match since the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

"This is my personal vow," Etcheveste said. Because Argentine forward Julian Alvarez has the nickname "Little Spider," he and his friends agreed that as long as Argentina competes in the World Cup, he would wear the Spider-Man costume to cheer for the team, hoping to bring good luck to the team and hoping Spider-Man's "web" can protect Argentina all the way to the championship.

In fact, from fans to players, lucky rituals have long been a part of Argentine football culture. In addition to fans having their own fixed viewing habits, many national team players also have their own pre-game rituals. Argentine media reported that Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes have eaten candy before matches for many years, hoping to continue the team's championship luck. This habit has accompanied Argentina through many international competitions in recent years.

As Argentina faced Egypt, symbolizing the pharaonic civilization, a wave of creative memes swept through Argentine social media platforms. Some netizens depicted Messi as a pharaoh, while others drew head coach Lionel Scaloni and players as Moses leading the people across the sea. Some even pitted famous Argentine artists against Egyptian pharaohs. Various creations went viral during the match, becoming an alternative way for fans to relieve tension.

A mother, Patricia, said that her son Luan was born during the 2014 World Cup and is a true "World Cup baby." This year is his third time experiencing the World Cup atmosphere. She recalled that when Argentina won the championship in 2022, the whole family went to the Obelisco in Buenos Aires to celebrate with fans, and the streets were filled with a sea of blue and white flags.

Now that Argentina has advanced again, World Cup baby Luan excitedly said, "We won, I'm so happy!" After the final whistle, fans hugged each other, sang cheering songs, and many waved blue and white national flags, screaming and dancing to celebrate Argentina's thrilling advancement to the quarterfinals. (Editor: Chen Hui-ping) 1150708

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