The 1978 World Cup in Argentina’s Political Press. Between “Party,” Nationalism, and Human Rights

Abstract

In this paper we analyze the editorial position of Argentina’s political magazines Somos, Extra, and Redacción regarding the FIFA World Cup that took place in June 1978 in Argentina during the last military dictatorship (1976–1983). e event was the auspicious moment for the military government to a empt to show a positive image of the country in the face of international accusations about its responsibility in the violation of human rights. In this context, the local political press legitimized the government’s version and rejected the international claims against the country. Furthermore, the analyzed magazines o ered their points of view on the e ects that organizing the World Cup had on domestic politics, stimulated by the popular celebrations that followed the success of Argentina’s national team in the competition. ey showed similarities and di erences as to how the Government should use the political capital le by the World Cup, how the relationship between the military and civilians should be strengthened, and what would be the role of military president Jorge Videla in the alleged convergence of interests.