Written by: Mohammed Omran
Libyan authorities arrested a number of Argentine national team fans after clashes broke out with Egyptian fans in the city of Ajdabiya, following the match between Egypt and Argentina in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
Libyan police arrest Argentine fans after clashes with Egyptian fans
According to local media reports, fans of the Argentine national team took to the city streets to celebrate their team's qualification to the next round. However, the celebrations escalated into altercations and then clashes with a number of Egyptian fans, which necessitated the intervention of security forces to contain the situation.
Reports clarified that Libyan security forces worked to disperse gatherings and restore calm to the area, after the events caused disruption to movement and stirred up public order disturbances, before a number of participants in the clashes were arrested.
Local media and reports have circulated information indicating that police shaved the heads of some detained Argentinian fans after their arrest. Authorities stated this action was taken due to their involvement in riots and behavior described as provocative towards Egyptian fans.
For its part, the Ajdabiya Security Directorate confirmed, in an official statement, that the arrest operation came after receiving information and field follow-up of the events, pointing out that the necessary legal measures were taken against those involved and they were transferred to the competent department to complete the investigations in accordance with applicable laws.
The Directorate emphasized its continued efforts to maintain security and public order, and to deal firmly with any violations or acts that would disrupt security during events and public gatherings.
