Spain midfielder Marc Cucurella, 27, is carrying a unique lucky charm to the 2026 World Cup: a pyjama top worn by his wife during Spain’s successful Euro 2024 campaign. Cucurella, who assisted Mikel Oyarzabal’s late winner against England in the Euro 2024 final, hopes the charm will bring him similar fortune in the tournament starting this month [1, 2].
The Chelsea player’s luck played a role throughout Euro 2024, including a controversial moment in the quarter-final against Germany. In extra time, an apparent handball by Cucurella went unpenalized, after which Spain scored the winning goal in the 119th minute to advance [1, 2].
In an interview published in June 2024, Cucurella spoke about his collection of good luck items. "I’ve got some key-rings that my children made for me. I’m also taking my wife’s pyjama top, which she wore when she was with me during the European Championship, and I’ve packed it in my suitcase again to see if it brings the same luck," he said [1].
Lucky charms are a common part of soccer culture. Lionel Messi is known for wearing a red ribbon around his left ankle, while Cristiano Ronaldo carries an old coin gifted by his grandfather [1, 2].
Spain will open their Group H World Cup campaign against Cape Verde on Monday in Atlanta, with Cucurella expected to feature wearing his talismans on the field [1, 2].