Argentina World Cup defeat marred by deaths, injuries and clashes in Buenos Aires

Three people have died and dozens were injured across Argentina after street gatherings to back the national team turned violent and chaotic in the wake of the country’s 1-0 defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey.

The incidents, reported by Spanish newspaper Marca and local authorities, came as tens of thousands of supporters flooded streets and squares nationwide to salute Lionel Scaloni’s side for reaching a second consecutive World Cup final.

What began as shows of solidarity and pride for a beaten finalist quickly descended into tragedy in several cities, with fatal accidents, medical emergencies and clashes with police in the capital, Buenos Aires.

Woman killed in Rosario truck fall

In Rosario, in the province of Santa Fe, a 45-year-old woman was killed after falling from the back of a small truck during a moving convoy of fans.

Reports identified the victim as Erika Silvana M. She is said to have plunged onto the roadway and suffered a severe head injury, dying at the scene despite attempts to help her.

The vehicle had been part of a celebratory procession, one of many spontaneous gatherings around the country after Argentina’s narrow defeat to Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Firework explosion leaves one dead in Neuquen

In the city of Neuquen, one man died and three others were seriously injured when fireworks exploded unexpectedly in the middle of a crowd of supporters after the main march had ended.

Local police said the pyrotechnics detonated at close range near a group of people. The injured were taken to hospital for emergency treatment as authorities opened an investigation into how the explosion occurred and whether safety rules had been breached.

Officials did not immediately release the identity of the man who was killed.

Cardiac emergencies during and after final

In Buenos Aires, a 67-year-old man died of a heart attack while watching the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain on television.

Emergency teams across the capital were stretched as they responded to a series of medical incidents linked to the emotional tension of the match and the vast post-game gatherings.

In the Caballito neighbourhood, paramedics treated an 88-year-old man who suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest. Medics were able to resuscitate him at the scene before transferring him to hospital.

Another man, aged 72, was also taken to hospital after experiencing breathing difficulties during the day’s events.

Dozens injured amid falls, crushes and alcohol

Authorities said around 20 people were injured in incidents connected to the mass gatherings that followed Argentina’s runners-up finish.

One 47-year-old man fell from a height of nearly four metres near the central 9 de Julio Avenue, suffering a fracture and dislocation in his foot.

The city’s emergency medical system, SAME, reported treating several people for minor injuries caused by pushing and surging crowds around the giant outdoor screens set up to show the final.

Medics also attended to two young men suffering from alcohol poisoning, underlining the mix of emotional intensity, large numbers and heavy drinking that characterised the night.

Police clash with fans at Buenos Aires Obelisk

Tensions escalated sharply in central Buenos Aires, where supporters had converged on the Obelisk – the traditional focal point for football celebrations in the city – to show support for the team despite the defeat.

Security forces arrested at least 12 people after confronting groups of fans. Police moved in to disperse crowds that had lingered around the monument, prompting some supporters to hurl bottles and other objects at officers.

In response, police fired rubber bullets and used tear gas to regain control of the area and break up the remaining groups.

The scenes contrasted starkly with the intention of many Argentines who had taken to the streets to honour a team that fell just short of defending their world title, underlining how quickly large-scale football gatherings can tip from celebration into crisis.