Tragedy struck in the Salamanca province of western Spain shortly after midnight on Monday, July 20, 2026, when a 13-year-old boy died and another child was injured after a fountain partially collapsed during mass celebrations of Spain’s second football World Cup final victory.

The incident occurred in Ciudad Rodrigo, a walled medieval city of about 12,000 residents near the border with Portugal. Emergency services reported that the collapse happened a few minutes after 12:30 am local time, with rescue teams receiving calls about the fountain collapsing on numerous people.

The injured youth is believed to be in serious condition with a broken leg. Regional emergency services expressed deep sorrow, stating, “The entire city feels this loss and accompanies the minor’s friends and family in their grief … What should have been a celebration of the Spanish national team’s World Cup victory has turned into a tragedy.”

Spain secured the World Cup title after a 0-0 draw in regulation time against Argentina, with Ferran Torres scoring the only goal in extra time.

Sources