World Cup: Spanish boy, 13, killed in fountain collapse during celebrations

A tragic incident marred Spain's World Cup celebrations when a fountain collapsed in the medieval city of Ciudad Rodrigo in Salamanca province, western Spain, shortly after midnight on Monday. The upper section of the Arbol Gordo fountain, located in the city's center, broke loose and struck multiple people who had gathered to celebrate Spain's second World Cup victory.

The collapse resulted in the death of a 13-year-old and injuries to other youth, including another child reported to be in serious condition with a broken leg. Emergency services received calls about the incident just after 12:30 am local time. The fountain gave way under the weight of numerous people who had climbed onto the monument to celebrate the national team's achievement.

Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, held at New York New Jersey Stadium with the United States as co-host. The match remained scoreless through regulation time, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal during extra time. The town hall of Ciudad Rodrigo, a walled medieval settlement of approximately 12,000 residents near the Portuguese border, issued a statement expressing condolences and noting that what should have been a celebration had become a tragedy.