Brazil-Argentina World Cup rivalry leads to violence in Kerala’s Kozhikode; two booked

A football rivalry surrounding the FIFA World Cup allegedly spilled over into violence in Kozhikode, Kerala, after an argument between Brazil and Argentina supporters in a WhatsApp group over Brazil’s Round of 16 exit escalated into an assault and property damage at Kuttikkattoor.The Kozhikode Medical College on Saturday (July 18, 2026) registered a case in connection with the incident based on a complaint filed by Muhammed Shanis. The incident allegedly left Mr. Shanis, a Brazil supporter, injured. The case was registered against Nikhil and Renjith, both reportedly Argentina fans. They were booked under Sections 324(4), 329(4), 126(2), 115(2), 118(1), 351(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.According to the First Information Report (FIR), the incident occurred around 10.30 p.m. on July 16. The police said the dispute originated in a WhatsApp group named ‘World Cup 2026’, where Brazil and Argentina supporters had exchanged messages following Brazil’s defeat.The FIR states that the accused allegedly trespassed into the rented house of Mr. Shanis and his friend at Kuttikkattoor. They are accused of assaulting the two by punching them on the head and body and striking Mr. Shanis on the face with a metal bangle-like object. The assailants also allegedly threatened them with consequences if they approached the police.The accused are further alleged to have vandalised two motorcycles parked outside the house and damaged its windowpanes, causing property damage estimated at around ₹25,000.The police said they were investigating the incident and that no arrests had been made yet. Published - July 18, 2026 02:28 pm IST