Soccer fans live for World Cup drama, but what happens behind the scenes can be even stranger than what plays out on the pitch. Over the decades, teams and players have turned to superstitions and strange rituals in search of that elusive World Cup glory. Here are 15 of the most bizarre World Cup rituals ever reported.

1. Laurent Blanc Kissing Fabien Barthez’s Bald Head – France (1998)

Before every match in 1998, France defender Laurent Blanc kissed goalkeeper Fabien Barthez’s bald head for luck. France won the World Cup—so maybe it worked.

2. Brazil’s Pre-Match Prayer Circle

Brazilian teams are known for forming a prayer circle before kickoff. While spiritual, this consistent practice shows how rituals are deeply tied to team culture.

3. Mexico’s Witch Doctor Blessings

Before the 2018 World Cup, a Mexican witch doctor claimed to have cleansed the national team of bad energy. Similar rituals have reportedly happened since the 2000s.

4. Argentina’s Fixed Room Numbers

During the 1986 tournament, Argentina assigned room numbers based on a superstition. Maradona had to stay in room 10—even when hotels didn’t offer it, they made it happen.

5. Spain’s No Sex Rule – Vicente del Bosque (2010)

To maintain focus and “mental sharpness,” coach Vicente del Bosque banned his players from sexual activity during the tournament. Spain went on to win the Cup.

6. Uruguay’s Lucky Mate Ritual

Before every match, Uruguayan players pass around mate tea in the locker room. It’s a bonding ritual, but some swear by its energy-boosting effects too.

7. Ghana’s Traditional Sacrifices

Ghanaian players and staff have been linked to performing traditional animal sacrifices for spiritual protection during tournaments. It’s controversial, but rooted in cultural practices. We will not show any video about it. Just see Ghana’s team playing.

8. Italy’s Beard Pact – 2006

Several Italian players refused to shave until they won the World Cup. It started as a joke, became a ritual, and ended in a title for the Azzurri.

9. Cameroon’s Magic Man – 1990

Reports emerged during Italia ‘90 that Cameroon had a “magic man” conducting spiritual ceremonies behind the scenes. The team reached the quarterfinals, their best finish ever.

Watch Cameroon’s 1990 Run

10. South Korea’s Red Devil Drummers

Fans known as the Red Devils perform specific drumming patterns believed to energize the team. South Korea’s 2002 semifinal run gave the ritual legendary status.

11. Nigeria’s Pastor Prayers

In multiple tournaments, Nigeria’s squads have brought pastors or spiritual leaders to bless the team and the locker room before matches.

12. Germany’s Lucky Socks

During the 2014 World Cup, multiple German players admitted to wearing the same unwashed socks for “luck.” It sounds gross—but they won.

13. England’s “No Cheese” Rule (2018)

England’s 2018 nutrition staff banned players from eating cheese, believing it affected sleep and muscle recovery. Odd, but the team had one of its best runs in years.

14. Iran’s Pre-Match Water Rituals

Iranian players have been seen pouring water over their feet before kickoff, a spiritual cleansing inspired by Islamic practice.

15. Colombia’s Salsa Warm-Ups

Colombian teams often dance in the tunnel pre-game to reduce nerves and increase unity. It’s part ritual, part identity—and always a vibe.

Conclusion

Whether grounded in belief, tradition, or team bonding, these World Cup rituals prove there’s more to the game than tactics and fitness. They reveal how deeply culture, psychology, and superstition intertwine with the sport we love—and sometimes, they just work.