Thursday, July 23, 2026

13-year-old boy killed as Spaniards celebrate 2026 World Cup win

A 13-year-old boy was killed after the Árbol Gordo fountain collapsed as football fans gathered to celebrate the country’s World Cup win.

• July 20, 2026
Spaniards celebrating
Spaniards celebrating[Credit:France24]

A 13-year-old boy died, and three people were injured in Ciudad Rodrigo, western Spain, after the Árbol Gordo fountain collapsed as football fans gathered to celebrate the country’s World Cup win.

Spain on Sunday beat Argentina to win the 2026 World Cup after Ferran Torres’ goal in extra time, marking the country’s first triumph since 2010.

Following the final whistle, thousands of football fans hit the streets to celebrate the victory, but the celebration soon turned tragic.

As they celebrated, supporters gathered at the Árbol Gordo fountain, with some climbing onto it, but the upper part soon fell onto several of them, causing injuries.

The teenager, who suffered injuries, received treatment at a health facility in Ciudad Rodrigo but was later pronounced dead.

Local authorities expressed sadness over the incident in a Facebook post.

“What should have been a celebration of Spain’s team in the football World Cup turned into tragedy,” the municipality said. “The city council also hopes for the prompt recovery of other people affected by the incident. As a sign of mourning for the loss, the city council’s flags will fly at half-mast between July 20 and 22, inclusive, both days.”

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