Argentina's President Declares: National Holiday Even Without World Cup Win, Date Set by Players and Coach

On July 20, Beijing time, although Argentina could not retain the World Cup championship, President Milei declared a day off for the entire country.

Milei noted that, given the public's interest in the celebratory events for the national team's accomplishments, he is announcing that the date set by the players and the coaching staff will be officially recognized as a national holiday.

In the recently concluded World Cup final, Argentina, playing with one man down during extra time, was defeated by Spain with a total score of 0-1, missing the chance to defend their title and narrowly failing to secure a fourth World Cup championship.

Nevertheless, reaching the World Cup final for two consecutive editions and overturning arch-rival England in the semifinals has already written a historic chapter for Argentina.

It is worth noting that when Argentina won the World Cup in 2022, then-President Alberto Fernández had already declared a holiday on Tuesday, December 20—two days after the victory over France—so the public could celebrate with the champions.

This allowed people to join the open-top bus parade alongside the World Cup winners on that unforgettable day.

In this World Cup, fellow South American nations Ecuador and Paraguay also declared a national holiday after defeating Germany. For South American countries, the World Cup remains a major event at the national level.