Known for its vibrant cities, diverse landscapes and its globally renowned steak, there are plenty of reasons why holidaymakers should be flocking to Argentina.

But just as the Argentinian football team turned their backs on Spain celebrating their victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it seems many tourists have turned their backs on visiting the country.

Bookings for properties in Argentina plummeted by 50 per cent between the final whistle on Sunday, July 19, and Tuesday, July 21.

The data, revealed by booking platform HotelPlanner.com, compared the figure to two data sets: the average booking rate for Argentinian hotels in 2026 so far, and the days preceding the match.

'Whilst the tournament can create a booking boom for some nations, it can also have the opposite impact – as is the case with Argentina,' HotelPlanner.com co-founder and CEO Tim Hentschel said.

'The relationship between English fans and Argentina was already strained following scenes of player and fan aggravation after the semi-final defeat last Wednesday, and political gestures by the Argentinian players.'

Argentina's behaviour after losing to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final seems to have affected tourists' desire to visit the country

Despite its impressive landscapes, such as the Iguazu Falls on the Argentina/Brazil border (pictured), bookings for properties in Argentina have plummeted by 50 per cent

He added that the 'incidents seen after the final whistle in Sunday’s final have created a global ripple effect'.

When full time was called, a brawl broke out between players from both sides.

Then, instead of graciously accepting defeat, the Argentina players, coaching team and staff walked over to the end of the pitch where the majority of their fans were sat and turned their backs as their rivals celebrated.

The move seems to have affected tourists' desire to visit the country, even pointing towards a potential boycott.

Mr Hentschel noted: 'Booking fluctuations for nations are normal, but it’s unusual for bookings to have reduced by 50 per cent so immediately.

'This could point towards somewhat of a travel boycott towards travel to the region, which highlights just how powerful sports events can be when it comes to holiday decision making.'

Despite the hefty pile of red cards Argentina accumulated during the World Cup, the country has plenty to offer for visitors.

From checking out the Iguazu Falls on the border with Brazil, to visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina has an unbelievable range of landscapes to explore.

Its capital city, Buenos Aires, is a lively hub packed with impressive architecture and an energetic night scene.

Even its vibrant capital city, Buenos Aires, isn't enough to draw visitors to Argentina following the display from the football team at this year's FIFA World Cup

However, other countries that competed in the World Cup have fared better at attracting tourists in the wake of the tournament.

Cape Verde, which boasts luxurious hotels and sandy beaches, as well as Norway, are just two examples.

Mr Hentschel said: 'Some of the surprise underdog stories from the tournament, such as Cape Verde and the affection towards the Norwegian "Viking Row" are expected to have drawn interest from travellers to travel to these destinations and we’re anticipating a rise in bookings for both.'

In fact, Cape Verde has seen a significant rise in online search interest since the tournament kicked off on June 11.

Data released earlier this month from leading travel search engine Kayakshows flight searches in the UK for Cape Verde rose by 65 per cent month on month and 34 per cent year on year in June, as football fans and curious travellers appear increasingly eager to explore the islands.

International visitors account for the vast majority of tourists, with 94.7 per cent of guests coming from abroad, and the United Kingdom remains Cape Verde’s biggest source market, accounting for 26.9 per cent of visitors in early 2025.

Sal, one of Cape Verde's ten islands (nine of which are inhabited), is firmly established as the archipelago's number one destination for international holidaymakers.