Clashes erupt in Buenos Aires after Argentina’s World Cup final loss to Spain

Violent clashes broke out near Buenos Aires' iconic Obelisk monument on Sunday night after Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, as thousands of heartbroken fans turned on police in scenes reminiscent of the unrest that followed the country's 2014 final loss to Germany.

Fans and Police Clash at the Obelisk

Supporters had gathered en masse around the Obelisk to watch the match on screens and in nearby bars, but the atmosphere soured after Spain substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal in the 106th minute of extra time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. As the final whistle confirmed the end of Argentina's reign as world champions, groups of fans began hurling stones and glass bottles at police lines. Officers responded with water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds, and the clashes forced closures on major roads surrounding the monument.youtube+4

Videos circulating on social media showed fans fleeing amid reported gunfire and widespread chaos. At the time of initial reporting, authorities had not confirmed a final tally of injuries or arrests, though social media accounts from journalists on the ground indicated that more than a dozen people had been detained.youtube+3

Trouble Spreads Beyond Buenos Aires

The disorder was not confined to the Argentine capital. Footage emerged of Argentine fans clashing with Brazilian supporters on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, where Latin American football rivalries had been stoked throughout the tournament. In Madrid, confrontations between Argentine and Spanish supporters also broke out in the city centre following the final whistle.instagram+2

The unrest echoed a pattern that has followed Argentina's World Cup disappointments. After the 2014 final loss to Germany, also by a score of 1-0 in extra time, police in Buenos Aires arrested at least 50 people and reported 15 officers injured during hours of clashes.bbc

Milei Announces National Holiday Despite Defeat

Despite the loss, Argentine President Javier Milei — who had watched the match from his presidential residence in Olivos after superstitiously refusing to attend the final in person — announced on social media that his government would declare a national holiday to honour the team's runners-up finish. The date would be set once players and coaching staff decided when to hold public celebrations, Milei said.espn+2

Spain's victory, sealed by Torres' extra-time strike after dominating possession and outshooting Argentina 20-2, marked the end of an era for the defending champions who had entered the tournament seeking a third consecutive major international title.reuters