Clashes broke out between a group of football supporters and police in central Buenos Aires late on Sunday after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain. Thousands had gathered peacefully at the Obelisk to show solidarity with the national team, but as the night wore on, a minority began throwing stones and bottles at officers, prompting security forces to respond with water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets. Argentine media reported that between 12 and 15 people were arrested, though authorities had not released a final official figure by early Monday.

Medical services in Buenos Aires confirmed that two men, aged 67 and 88, died from cardiac arrest while watching the match at home. A 72-year-old man remained in intensive care with similar symptoms. Separately, a 45-year-old woman died after falling from a truck during celebrations in Rosario, and a 47-year-old man was seriously injured after falling from a height near the Obelisco. The city’s emergency service, SAME, also treated multiple people for alcohol poisoning, crush injuries and cuts, none of which were described as life-threatening.

President Javier Milei announced on social media that the day the players choose to celebrate their campaign will be declared a national holiday, a gesture that underscored the widespread public pride in a team that reached a second consecutive final. Most of the crowd at the Obelisco had dispersed before the violence began, and many witnesses described the initial atmosphere as one of gratitude rather than anger. The police operation, which involved around 1,000 officers and pre-positioned water cannon, had been planned in advance for both victory and defeat scenarios.

Local authorities said seven police officers were injured by thrown objects, while some news reports put the number at three. The exact tally of civilian injuries remained unclear, with some outlets citing three wounded. An investigation into the disturbances was under way, and the security ministry stated that those who breached the perimeter fence around the monument had been subdued. No official statement had been issued on the total number of detainees or the extent of property damage.