Yerba Mate’s Global Journey: From South America to the World Cup

In Kansas City, Missouri, soccer fans are bringing more than jerseys and flags to World Cup matches. They are sharing yerba mate, a caffeinated drink popular in South America. This beverage has gained traction alongside soccer’s multicultural appeal. In the United States, yerba mate has become a favorite among athletes both on and off the field.

When the World Cup winners, Argentina, arrived in Kansas City, fans greeted them with yerba mate. They used gourd cups and metal straws, known as bombillas, to filter the steeped leaves. At Cafe Corazon, one of the largest yerba mate importers in the Midwest, fans lined up. Many wore Argentina’s sky blue-and-white jerseys. The day before Argentina’s first match, customers flocked to try the drink.

“Our mate has been flying off the shelves,” said Dulcinea Herrera, co-owner of Cafe Corazon. “People who aren’t Argentinian want to have that experience. And many Argentinians say, ‘Oh, this reminds me of home.’”

Famous World Cup stars like Uruguay’s Luis Suarez and Argentina’s Lionel Messi enjoy drinking yerba mate. Messi even shared a photo with a mate cup and the World Cup trophy after winning in 2022. This cemented yerba mate’s place as a sport beverage icon.

The drink’s origins trace back to Indigenous communities and gauchos, or South American cowboys. It is now enjoyed worldwide. Christine Folch, a cultural anthropologist at Duke University, discusses these variations in her book, “The Book of Yerba Mate.” Different regions, including Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, have unique vessel preferences and preparation methods. These differences serve as cultural identifiers during matches.

In the early 20th century, yerba mate also became popular in Syria and Lebanon. Middle Eastern grocery stores in the U.S. often carry the traditional dried leaves. In America, yerba mate is also sold in cans as a natural energy drink, mixed with fruit flavors. Some Cuban Americans prefer a sweetened and carbonated version. In Berlin, Club Mate, a carbonated drink, is often mixed with alcohol.

The preparation process often involves smoking the leaves, giving the mate a smoky and earthy flavor. Its effects are described as less jittery than coffee. To pronounce it correctly, say MAH-teh, not like your soccer teammate.

Yerba mate is not only a drink but also a social ritual. People often share a single cup, fostering connections during events. Christine Folch emphasizes this social element. “When somebody offers you mate and you accept, you step into a relationship. It’s a way of bonding.”

Sebastian Cufre, along with his father Rene from Argentina, traveled to Kansas City to catch a match. At Cafe Corazon, they met fellow Argentina supporters and shared yerba mate. Rene Cufre prefers the traditional drink over canned versions. “I don’t even consider that to be mate. That’s like a completely different class of beverage.”

Fans encourage their North American friends to try yerba mate if they encounter it at cafes or watch parties. Fernando Villagran from Salta, Argentina, stresses its social significance. “It’s not only a drink, but a social thing. It is about friendship.”