Riots, Brawls, and a Holiday: The Chaos After Argentina's 2026 World Cup Final Loss to Spain

Rio de Janeiro: Argentine Fans Brawl with Police

Violence also spread to Brazil, where many Argentine fans had traveled for the tournament. In Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana neighborhood and the resort town of Búzios, Argentine supporters were involved in brawls among themselves and clashed with Brazil's Military Police . Reports described police using batons to beat fans and making multiple arrests across Brazilian cities . Video footage showed chaos on Copacabana Beach as officers tried to restore order with batons .

Madrid: Rival Fans Clash in the Streets

Even in the winning capital, tensions boiled over. Spanish and Argentine supporters clashed in central Madrid after Spain lifted the trophy, with videos showing heated confrontations between rival groups as bystanders attempted to separate them .

On-Field Brawl: Red Cards for Fernández and Paredes

The chaos began on the pitch before it reached the streets. What should have been Spain's celebration instead saw a mass brawl erupt at the final whistle .

• Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card and was sent off in stoppage time (90+4') just before the final whistle for a dangerous challenge .
• Leandro Paredes, who had come on at half-time, was also sent off after the match. He was seen charging at Spain's Eric García, grabbing him by the throat, and then shoving Spain substitute Gavi to the ground .
• Nahuel Molina, Argentina's defender, was also seen throwing punches, aiming at Spain captain Rodri .
• Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni rushed in to de-escalate the melee as players from both teams swarmed the area .

FIFA Investigation and Potential Suspensions

On July 20, FIFA announced it had opened a disciplinary investigation into Argentina players for their conduct after the final . The world governing body appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FIFA disciplinary code . Heavy sanctions — including potential multi-match suspensions — loomed for Paredes, Molina, and possibly assistant coach Roberto Ayala, who was also seen involved in the scuffles .

President Milei's Holiday Announcement and Pre-Scheduled Tweet

Amid the turmoil, President Javier Milei announced a national holiday to honor Argentina's runners-up finish, stating the date would be set by the players and coaching staff . The unusual move to celebrate a second-place finish drew mixed reactions. The situation turned embarrassing when it was revealed that Milei had inadvertently posted a pre-scheduled victory tweet, which had to be quickly deleted after the loss . The blunder went viral, with fans and media mocking the apparent failure to unschedule the post .

Summary of Key Incidents