Spain’s celebrations turn tragic as 13-year-old dies in fountain collapse after 2026 World Cup victory

Spain to lift FIFA World Cup after 16 years (Image: ANI) Spain’s long-awaited World Cup triumph was overshadowed by tragedy after a 13-year-old boy was killed and two others were injured when part of a historic fountain collapsed early Monday during victory celebrations.The incident happened shortly after midnight at the Arbol Gordo fountain in the western Spanish city of Ciudad Rodrigo, which is located in Salamanca province near the Portuguese border. Hundreds of fans gathered to celebrate Spain’s dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, giving the country its second World Cup title and its first since 2010.According to Reuters, regional emergency services said the top of the monument suddenly gave way and crashed into the crowd below. A 13-year-old boy died in the collapse, two other people were injured.

The town hall spoke

Ciudad Rodrigo City Hall expressed its condolences in an official statement, mourning the heartbreaking loss.“The whole city feels this loss and accompanies the friends and family of the minor in their grief… What should have been a celebration of the victory of the Spanish national team in the World Cup turned into a tragedy,” the statement said.

Spain beat Argentina

Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup title at the New York New Jersey Stadium, ending a 16-year wait for world glory. Substitute Ferran Torres proved to be the hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute to secure Spain’s second World Cup crown after their triumph in 2010.La Roja dominated the final from start to finish, controlling 68% of possession and outshooting Argentina 20-4, including 11 shots on goal. Argentina struggled to create chances and failed to register a shot on target until the 117th minute, relying heavily on goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who has created 11 goals at the World Cup, to keep his side in contention.The breakthrough came when Pedro Porro’s cross was kept alive by Nico Williams before Ferran Torres volleyed home. Argentina’s hopes suffered another blow after Enzo Fernández was sent off for a second yellow card in the 93rd minute. Despite some late intervention, including Giuliano Simeone’s missed chance in the closing moments, Lionel Scaloni’s side could not find an equaliser.