13-year-old boy killed in Spain during World Cup celebrations

A tragic accident in Spain has claimed the life of a 13-year-old boy during celebrations marking the country's 2026 FIFA World Cup victory. The incident occurred in the western town of Ciudad Rodrigo when a portion of a historic fountain collapsed, leaving two others injured.

According to a report by the British news agency Reuters, hundreds of people had gathered near the Árbol Gordo fountain in Ciudad Rodrigo—a town in the Salamanca province near the Portuguese border—to celebrate Spain's World Cup triumph. Shortly after midnight, the upper section of the monument collapsed, falling onto the crowd below.

Several people were injured in the incident. A 13-year-old boy, who sustained severe injuries, died at the scene, while two other injured individuals are currently receiving medical treatment.

Following the accident, the Ciudad Rodrigo Town Hall issued a statement expressing deep condolences. The authority stated that the entire town is in mourning and extended its sympathies to the family and relatives of the deceased boy, noting that what should have been a moment of joy celebrating Spain's World Cup victory has turned into a heartbreaking tragedy.

Spain secured its second World Cup title, ending a 16-year wait since their first victory in 2010. Luis de la Fuente’s side clinched the championship by defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time during the final held in New Jersey. However, amid the joy of this historic victory, the accident in Ciudad Rodrigo has cast a shadow of grief over the nationwide celebrations.