Yerba Mate Gaining Traction Among World Cup Fans

Fans at World Cup matches are embracing more than flags and jerseys. They are bringing cups and straws to share yerba mate as they cheer for their national teams. This caffeinated drink is common in South American countries and has found a place within the multicultural appeal of soccer, notably in the United States. It is favored by athletes on and off the field.

Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, arrived in Kansas City, Missouri, accompanied by fans eager to share yerba mate in gourd cups using metal bombillas, the straw that filters the steeped leaves. At Cafe Corazon, one of the Midwest’s largest yerba mate importers, fans wearing Argentina shirts formed long queues just before their country’s first World Cup match.

“Our mate sales have surged,” said Dulcinea Herrera, co-owner of Cafe Corazon. “Many individuals, not only Argentinians, are eager to try itd. It reminds many Argentinians of home.”

Yerba mate is popular among World Cup icons like Uruguay’s Luis Suarez and Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who shared a photo holding a mate cup and the World Cup trophy. This boosted the drink’s status in sports.

The Heritage of Yerba Mate

Christine Folch, a cultural anthropologist at Duke University and author of “The Book of Yerba Mate,” explains the drink’s importance. Initially enjoyed by Indigenous peoples and gauchos, yerba mate now has global reach. Fans, including Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazilian supporters, prefer different vessels and preparation methods, reflecting their cultural connections during matches.

Folch’s collection includes unique mate cups crafted from cow hooves, horns, and leather-wrapped metal cups. Mate became popular in Syria and Lebanon in the early 20th century, making Middle Eastern grocery stores prime spots for traditional dried leaves in the U.S. There, it is often sold in cans marketed as a natural energy drink, occasionally infused with fruit flavors. Cuban American versions are sweetened and carbonated. In Berlin, Club Mate is a favored carbonated drink, often mixed with alcohol.

The traditional smoky preparation imparts a grassy, earthy taste, not as jittery as coffee. Pronounce it as MAH-teh, not like a soccer teammate.

Social Sip

Folch highlights yerba mate’s role in social gatherings, like sporting events. People often share the same cup, strengthening bonds, according to Folch.

Sebastian Cufre and his father Rene, originally from Argentina, traveled to Kansas City from Albuquerque for game tickets. At Cafe Corazon, they met other Argentina fans, sharing mate at tables. Rene prefers the authentic version over canned American mate.

“Sharing mate is integral to the experience,” said Cufre. Though he tried the American version, he regards it apart from traditional mate.

Yerba mate enthusiasts encourage North American friends to try it at cafes, restaurants, or watch parties. “It’s more than a drink; it encapsulates friendship,” said Fernando Villagran from Salta, Argentina, who came from California to support his team.

For more on World Cup coverage, visit AP: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup