Yerba Mate: The Social Drink Cheering On World Cup Fans

Fans attending World Cup matches are bringing more than just flags and jerseys. They are sharing yerba mate, a caffeinated drink popular in South America, as they support their teams. This beverage has gained a following in the United States among soccer enthusiasts and athletes.

When Argentina, reigning World Cup winners, arrived in Kansas City, Missouri, fans were eager to share yerba mate. They poured the drink into traditional gourd cups, using metal bombillas, the straws that filter the steeped leaves. Outside Cafe Corazon, a major Midwest importer of yerba mate, fans lined up wearing Argentina’s sky blue-and-white jerseys.

Our mate has been flying off the shelves, said Dulcinea Herrera, co-owner of Cafe Corazon. A lot of people have been coming in to try it. People who aren’t Argentinian want to have that experience.

Many famous athletes enjoy yerba mate. Lionel Messi, after winning the World Cup in 2022, shared a photo with a mate cup. This drink, linked to South American history, is now part of sports culture.

Understanding Yerba Mate

The drink originates from Indigenous people and gauchos. It is popular worldwide and varies by region. Fans from Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil might enjoy it differently, often using unique vessels that reflect their culture.

Christine Folch, a cultural anthropologist and author of “The Book of Yerba Mate,” explains that in some regions, mate is an important cultural marker. Some cups are handcrafted from cow hooves or leather-wrapped metal.

In the early 20th century, yerba mate gained popularity in Syria and Lebanon. This historical spread makes Middle Eastern stores a common source in the U.S. In North America, it is also available in cans, marketed as a natural energy drink. Some versions include fruit flavors, while others, like Cuba’s carbonated and sweetened option, show regional adaptations.

The leaves are traditionally smoked, resulting in a smoky or earthy flavor. This preparation is believed to minimize the jitters often associated with coffee. The proper pronunciation is MAH-teh.

The Social Aspect

Yerba mate is best enjoyed in social settings. Sharing a cup creates bonds, says Folch. During matches, fans share the drink, fostering a sense of community.

Sebastian Cufre and his father Rene traveled from Albuquerque to Kansas City for a match. They met other Argentinian fans and shared a cup. Sebastian expresses a preference for traditional mate over its canned American counterpart.

Mate is more than a drink, it’s about friendship, says Fernando Villagran, a supporter from Salta, Argentina.