Tensions boiled over in the heart of Argentina’s capital after the national football team suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

According to footage seen by TNX Africa, what began as a massive public viewing party around the iconic Obelisk in central Buenos Aires quickly descended into chaos near midnight.

Local media reported that unrest erupted when a section of the crowd attempted to breach safety barricades surrounding the monument.

Riot police responded with tear gas and water cannons after rowdy fans allegedly hurled glass bottles and other debris at officers.

Local authorities said at least 15 people were arrested and several others injured, although official casualty figures were still pending.

Eyewitness footage circulating widely on social media showed heavily littered streets and physical confrontations between police and demonstrators.

The unrest followed a gruelling World Cup final in which Spain secured its second title thanks to an extra-time strike from Ferran Torres.

Argentina finished the match with nine men after Enzo Fernández was sent off during regulation time following a second yellow card.

The historic victory for Spain was, however, immediately overshadowed by a heated brawl after the final whistle as Spanish substitutes rushed onto the pitch to celebrate.

The altercation reportedly began when Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes grabbed Spanish defender Eric García by the throat before shoving Gavi to the ground.

The confrontation quickly escalated into a mass melee involving players and coaching staff from both teams, with defender Nahuel Molina also becoming involved.

Referee Slavko Vinčić eventually restored order by showing Paredes a straight red card.

Despite the defeat and the unrest that followed, Argentine President Javier Milei announced plans for a national holiday to honour the team’s World Cup campaign, with the date to be determined by the squad.