BUENOS AIRES: Argentina President Javier Milei has announced that a national holiday will be declared to honour the national football team’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, despite their 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in Sunday’s final.
Argentina fell short of becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups, but the squad is still expected to receive a hero’s welcome after reaching another final.
Milei, who did not attend the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey because of what he described as superstition, confirmed the decision in a post on X.
“In light of the concerns regarding the celebrations to mark the Argentine national team’s achievement, I would like to inform the public that, depending on the decision reached by the players and the coaching staff regarding the date of the celebrations, that day will be declared a national holiday,” he wrote.
The Argentine Football Association said only part of the delegation would return to Buenos Aires on Monday, while several players would travel directly from the United States to rejoin their clubs or begin holidays.
The returning delegation, including players, coaching staff and officials, was scheduled to arrive at around 5pm.
Argentina’s hopes of retaining the trophy ended when Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute, sealing Spain’s second World Cup title.
