The FIFA World Cup 2026 has concluded with Spain claiming the trophy by defeating Argentina 1-0. Despite Argentine fans' disappointment, in Thailand there remains some humor surrounding “Sokada,” or Gard-Natchayanun Sukwattanaporn, who continues to be seen as a jinx for football supporters. Previously, she made cheering outfits for England before they lost to Argentina. Later, in the final, she supported Argentina and made outfits for them as well, but they were ultimately defeated by Spain. Social media users thus dubbed her the World Cup curse.
On the Western side, there is also a figure considered a World Cup jinx: Mick Jagger, the veteran lead singer of The Rolling Stones. It is said that whenever he appears to support a team at the stadium, that team inevitably loses.
This dates back to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, when Jagger openly declared his support for Brazil, England, and the United States—three teams that were all eliminated early. He personally attended matches for each team.
Starting with the round of 16 match between the United States and Ghana, Jagger watched the game from a private room alongside former President Bill Clinton, before the U.S. lost 2-1.
The next day, also in the round of 16, Jagger attended the England vs. Germany match at Wembley Stadium, wearing an England scarf to cheer on his homeland. Ultimately, England was defeated 4-1 by Germany.
In the quarterfinals between Brazil and the Netherlands, he was seen at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium with his son, dressed in Brazil’s colors, cheering passionately. Yet Brazil suffered a 2-1 loss to the Netherlands.
In 2014, the World Cup held in Brazil, Jagger switched his support to England, Italy, and Portugal. These teams also lost early. Even when he didn’t support any team in particular, his presence at the Germany vs. Brazil semifinal seemed to bring bad luck, as Brazil suffered a crushing 7-1 defeat. After the match, instead of denying the bad omen, Jagger joked, “I can take responsibility for Germany’s first goal, but not the other six!” However, he consistently told the media it was just coincidence.
At this time, Brazilians dubbed him “pé frio,” meaning “cold feet,” slang for someone who brings bad luck. Fans of other nations even resorted to making paper effigies of Mick Jagger dressed in opposing teams’ kits to curse their rivals. On the internet, he became a meme and a target of light cyberbullying. In 2014, Jagger’s former partner Luciana Gimenez, mother of his son Lucian, asked football fans to stop labeling him as a football curse and reminded everyone he is just a fan wanting to spend time with his son.
Jagger’s presence continued to be considered a jinx in 2018 at the World Cup in Russia. England conceded goals to Croatia while he cheered at Luzhniki Stadium. This belief made fans wary of his presence at stadiums, fearing it could signal their team’s defeat.
Although Jagger’s presence was noted at three World Cups (except 2022 when he was not seen), he finally broke the curse in 2026. Despite some fan apprehension, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane scored to secure England’s 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Norway, with Jagger among the jubilant supporters. Madridred news jokingly commented, “England advances, and Jagger can finally boast to others that he witnessed the Lions’ victory.”
All this is just lighthearted World Cup color. In reality, it is unkind to accuse individuals of bringing bad luck as with Sokada. Even if meant as a joke, such labels can affect people’s personal lives more than expected. Social media has targeted and bullied Mick Jagger on various platforms. In all sports competitions, respect should be maintained for both teams and differing opinions.
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