Argentina’s President has announced a national holiday following the team’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final
Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, has declared a national holiday to honor the World Cup runners-up, acknowledging their commendable effort despite the extra-time final defeat to Spain.
Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, has declared a national holiday to honor the Albiceleste’s journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, even following their 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain.
The players and coaching staff will determine the date of the holiday, as stated by Milei in a post on X, who also mentioned that the government would officially recognize that day as a public holiday.
“The day of the celebrations will be declared a national holiday, based on the decision made by the players and the coaching staff,” Milei wrote.
The president, who skipped Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey due to what he referred to as superstition, also expressed gratitude to the team for their efforts.
“I sincerely appreciate it, players…” Struggling until the final moment. “Argentina always held high,” he posted.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has confirmed that a portion of the delegation, which includes members of the coaching staff and several players, will be returning to Buenos Aires on Monday, with an evening arrival expected.
Some players will travel directly from the United States to rejoin their clubs or start their post-tournament holidays rather than returning to Argentina right away.
Argentina aimed to be the first country to successfully defend the men’s World Cup title since Brazil accomplished this in 1958 and 1962. Those aspirations came to a close when Spain substitute Ferran Torres netted the crucial goal in the 106th minute of extra time, clinching a 1-0 victory.
Spain dominated much of the final, while Argentina’s task grew increasingly difficult after Enzo Fernández received a red card in the 93rd minute. Down to 10 players, Argentina did not record their first shot until the 117th minute, when Lionel Messi’s attempt was thwarted.
Despite Argentina not being able to defend their title, the team’s journey to a second consecutive World Cup final will be celebrated across the nation in honor of their accomplishment.
