Beyond the beautiful game: The bizarre beliefs that rule the World Cup

Dhaka, Bangladesh || Tuesday, 21 April 2026 || 8 Boishakh 1433

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Football is a blend of skill and tactical precision,

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Beyond the beautiful game: The bizarre beliefs that rule the World Cup

Published : Tuesday, 21 April, 2026 at 2:58 PM, Count : 11

Beyond the beautiful game: The bizarre beliefs that rule the World Cup

Football is a blend of skill and tactical precision, underpinned by immense physical and mental resilience. Every second on the pitch is calculated, every move part of a larger strategy.

Yet alongside this seemingly rational sport exists another world beyond the touchline -- one shaped by peculiar rituals, strange habits and deeply personal beliefs. What may appear amusing or irrational to the casual observer often serves as a talisman of success for players and devoted fans alike. Superstition, in that sense, has become an inseparable thread in football’s aesthetic fabric.

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On a stage as grand as the FIFA World Cup, such beliefs -- often devoid of scientific basis -- tend to flourish even more. Football, after all, transcends the boundaries of a mere game at this level, becoming a theatre of hope, faith and emotion. To tame the unpredictability of the pitch, players carry with them rituals rooted in their cultures and experiences, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the tournament.

Sports psychologists argue that these superstitions serve a meaningful mental purpose. In high-stakes competitions like the World Cup, where countless variables lie beyond a player’s control, rituals can provide a sense of stability and focus. Speaking to AFP, sports psychologist Dan Abrahams explained, “Logically, there is no connection between these rituals and performance. However, if a player believes in their importance, that belief can significantly influence how they feel.”

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