Javier Milei announces national holiday to honour Argentina's World Cup campaign

Argentina President Javier Milei has announced that a national holiday will be declared to honour the Albiceleste's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, despite the team's heartbreaking 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in Sunday's final.

The South American side fell short in their bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup title. However, the players and coaching staff will still receive a hero's welcome for their run to the final.

Milei, who did not attend the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey because of what he described as superstition, confirmed the decision in a post on X.

"WORLD CUP CELEBRATIONS. In light of the concerns regarding the celebrations to mark the Argentine national team's achievement, I would like to inform the public that, depending on the decision reached by the players and the coaching staff regarding the date of the celebrations, that day will be declared a national holiday."

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) also confirmed that only part of the delegation would return to Buenos Aires on Monday, while several players would head directly from the United States to rejoin their clubs or begin their holidays.

"Following the final, some of the squad's players will travel directly from the United States to various destinations to rejoin their clubs or begin their break," the AFA said in a statement.

"Meanwhile, part of the delegation -- comprising players, the coaching staff and other staff members -- will return to Argentina tomorrow [Monday], with arrival scheduled for around 5 p.m."

Argentina's hopes of retaining the trophy were ended when substitute Ferran Torres scored from close range in the 106th minute, sealing Spain's second World Cup title after the European champions controlled much of the final and created the better chances throughout the contest.