Related videos:
The victory of Argentina over Switzerland by 3-1 in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup had a tragic outcome: at least two people died between Saturday night and early Sunday morning, as celebrations spread throughout the country, according to reports from Argentinian media and international agencies.
In Buenos Aires, a 51-year-old man died of a heart attack at 11:44 PM during the course of the match, as confirmed by the Emergency Medical Care System (SAME).
At least six other people experienced heart crises, including an 86-year-old woman who managed to recover, and were taken to hospitals, where they are now out of danger.
In total, 13 people were injured in various ways in the Argentine capital due to blows, crowding, and intoxications.
The second deceased was Matías Gerardo Ochonga, 20 years old, shot to death shortly after two in the morning in San Francisco, Córdoba, during a street celebration at the intersection of Avenida Libertador Norte and Bulevar 25 de Mayo, causing panic among the hundreds of people who were celebrating Argentina's advancement to the semi-finals.
According to an investigation by Infobae, the prosecutor's office in charge of the case is investigating it as a possible settling of scores related to drug trafficking.
"They were waiting for him," summarized a source linked to the investigation. "They shot him from behind and escaped."
The same source confirmed that the two alleged authors—originating from Frontera, a town in Córdoba bordering Santa Fe and known for the activity of drug gangs—have already been identified and have arrest warrants issued.
Ochonga had been released on parole in early July after serving a sentence for aggravated theft, and he also had two outstanding arrest warrants at the time of his death.
His loved ones began to bid farewell to him on social media. "This is not a goodbye, brother, it's a see you soon. I still can't grasp it, brother, it was all so fast and painful. I hope justice is served for you, little brother. Always present in our heart and mind, Matías, forever," posted one of his friends, as reported by the local outlet La Voz de San Justo.
In the center of Buenos Aires, the celebrations around the Obelisk turned into incidents when the City Police deployed infantry to disperse those gathered on Avenida 9 de Julio, using rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons, which led to stampedes and arrests.
In the city of Córdoba, about 20,000 people celebrated in the Patio Olmos area without serious incidents, with only six arrests for minor offenses and the confiscation of alcoholic beverages.
In Concepción del Uruguay, Entre Ríos, the pergola of a bar collapsed while fans celebrated by jumping on it, although no injuries were reported.
The victory of the Albiceleste, which was decided in extra time with goals from Alexis Mac Allister (minute 10), Julián Álvarez (minute 112), and Lautaro Martínez (minute 120), qualified the team for the semifinals of the tournament, where they will face England on Wednesday, July 15, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, a match filled with historical symbolism, rooted in the Falklands War of 1982 and the memorable game of the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, featuring Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" and "Goal of the Century."
Filed under: