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What is Yerba Mate, the drink fuelling Argentina’s football stars?
18th July, 2026 12:13 PM
As football fans across the world get ready for the World Cup final on July 19, 2026, many will notice a familiar sight. Before big matches, Argentinian players often step off the team bus holding a small wooden cup and a metal straw.
They are not drinking morning coffee or ordinary tea. Instead, they are sipping yerba mate, a traditional South American herbal drink that serves as the daily fuel for some of the world’s best athletes.
For Kenyans accustomed to starting the morning with a hot cup of strong tea, this beverage is Argentina’s version of a daily staple.
The science behind the energy boost
Yerba mate is an infusion made from the dried leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant, which grows natively in South America. While many people love the quick wake-up call from coffee, mate works quite differently.
It offers a steady, long-lasting boost in alertness without the sudden jitters or the sharp energy crash that often follows a heavy mug of coffee. This energy comes from a combination of natural stimulants, including caffeine and theobromine, the active ingredient found in chocolate.
The health perks go far beyond a simple energy lift. According to peer-reviewed research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, “recent studies have highlighted mate’s high quantity of polyphenol antioxidant properties, richness in B1, B6 and C vitamins, and energizing capability.”
This unique mix explains why players can handle gruelling 90-minute matches without losing their focus. It provides the physical endurance required for high-intensity sports without the artificial chemicals found in modern energy drinks.
A shared tradition that bonds the team
For Argentinians, mate is a social tradition that brings people together. The preparation is simple: the loose leaves are packed into a hollow gourd, hot water is added, and the liquid is sipped through a filtered metal straw called a bombilla.
The most important part of this custom is how it is consumed. In Argentina, a single cup is passed around a circle of friends, family members, or teammates. One person takes charge of refilling the cup with hot water from a thermos before handing it to the next person.
This closely mirrors the warmth of sharing a traditional pot of porridge or tea with neighbours. It builds a sense of community and connection.
