Two die in Argentina amid World Cup celebrations

Argentina experienced a somber mix of celebration and tragedy as the national team advanced to the 2026 World Cup semifinals with a 3-1 victory over Switzerland. Amidst the widespread jubilation, at least two deaths were reported across the country.

In Buenos Aires, a 51-year-old man suffered a fatal heart attack while watching the match. Six other individuals required medical attention from the city's emergency services but are reported to be out of danger. The atmosphere in the capital turned tense later when police used rubber bullets to disperse a crowd that had gathered near the iconic Obelisco, firing them on the 9 de Julio avenue.

Further tragedy struck in San Francisco, a city in the Córdoba province, where a 20-year-old man was shot three times in the back during the post-match celebrations. The incident occurred amidst hundreds of people celebrating in the street, causing panic. Local media reported that the prosecutor's office is investigating the shooting, with the primary hypothesis pointing to a personal vendetta. The victim had recently been released on parole after serving a sentence for aggravated robbery.

Argentina is now set to face England in the semifinals. This upcoming match carries significant symbolic and historical weight, stemming from the 1982 armed conflict over the Falkland Islands and the iconic 1986 World Cup match where Diego Maradona scored two legendary goals against England.