Pennsylvania has a warning for any World Cup fans wanting to dress up the Rocky Statue: Don't do it or risk being cursed.
On Sunday, Ecuador became the latest sports team to fall victim to what the Visit PA Instagram account called The Rocky Statue Curse.
Before the game, fans from the South American nation climbed the famous steps and put a yellow jersey on the Rocky Balboa statue outside the Philadelphia Art Museum. The statue was built in 1982 for the third instalment of the Rocky franchise, before being donated to the city by the actor who plays the boxer, Sylvester Stallone.
Unfortunately for them, the same fate as suffered by many before them befell them too — they lost.
A number of NFL fans have fallen foul of the curse, including the Minnesota Vikings in 2018, the New England Patriots before Super Bowl LII in the same year, and the San Francisco 49ers in 2023.
All went on to watch their teams lose.
With Philadelphia hosting five further games at the World Cup, Visit Pennsylvania has offered some words of warning.
“To the delegations of Brazil, Haiti, France, Iraq, Curaçao, Croatia, and Ghana: Pennsylvania welcomes you warmly and wishes you the best of luck in your upcoming World Cup matches in Philadelphia,†a post on Instagram read.
“As good hosts, we'd like to share some information about a well-documented phenomenon in Philly: The Rocky Statue Curse™.
“We regret this communication was not shared before last weekend but, here we are.
“Countless football teams (as in, American Football, not Fútbol — same curse, different sport) have all dressed the Rocky Statue in their colors and gone on to lose. Ecuador dressed Rocky last weekend. Coincidence? Sadly, history says no.
“Philadelphia can't wait to host you! (but Rocky does not need your kit).â€
Lincoln Financial Field next hosts Brazil vs. Haiti on Friday and the message is clear: Don't put your team's colors on the Rocky Statue.
