2026 promises to be a busy year in Argentina. Heres a list of outstanding events to follow

We’ve barely managed to catch our breath after a 2025 full of memorable moments, from the death of Pope Francis, Argentina’s most prominent international figure, to President Milei’s surprise landslide win in October’s midterm elections.  But while you get ready to take a much needed breather over the holidays, don’t relax too much: this year promises to be just as packed with events that will keep you glued to the news from the start. Here’s a list of some of the highlights to look out for in 2026. Debt repayment: how will Argentina pay? Just 9 days into the new year Argentina must start repaying some of its hefty international debt. In January it faces close to US$4.2 billion in debt maturities, which Milei has assured the country will pay. The question he still hasn’t answered is how. Since the Central Bank’s net international reserves are negative, the government has a dire need for U.S. dollars. The Economy Ministry issued a local-law bond in U.S. dollars on December 10, to partially pay for the debt maturities. Minister Luis Caputo also announced the country is negotiating a loan with international private banks for up to US$7 billion, but so far nothing has been confirmed. Economy Minister Luis Caputo. Watch this space to see how the country gets those much needed dollars (throughout 2026, it will have to face maturities of more than US$12 billion). Meanwhile, Javier Milei’s close relationship with Donald Trump could further reshape Argentina’s economy.  While the U.S. Treasury has already made US$20 billion available in the form of a currency swap, it is still too early to know the scope of the announced trade deal between Argentina and the U.S.  While critics believe that, as per the published framework, the bulk of concessions will fall on Buenos Aires’ shoulders, those who celebrate the agreement say it will open a new market for local businesses. That remains to be seen — it is likely that we will know the fine print in 2026, or at least part of it. Labor reform  The economy is not the only thing to look out for at the start of the year. While summer is usually the quietest time for all things Congress, the government convened extraordinary sessions for December of last year and next February. This means that all eyes will be on the Parliament. Arguably the most controversial bill to be discussed will be Milei’s labor reform proposal. Its aim, according to the government, is to bring some of the almost 45% of Argentines who have informal jobs into the formal market, by making it easier and cheaper for companies to hire workers. However, it’s contentious because it will also make it easier to fire them, by reducing the current severance calculation. It will also give workers more flexibility by creating a time bank system, but critics warn it will reduce the hours paid as overtime. The Argentine Congress. Another controversial provision allows companies to pay in foreign currency — or even food. Those in favor say it won’t only encourage job creation, it will also fix another problem: the nation’s deficit-ridden pension system. By adding more formal workers, it will generate a larger base of contributors. But those against, including the powerful General Confederation of Labor (CGT, for its Spanish acronym) trade union, contend it rolls back many of the worker’s basic rights they fought for decades to obtain, and are planning marches and a possible general strike to protest the bill. 50th anniversary of the coup March 24, 2026 will mark 50 years from the start of the last civil-military dictatorship in Argentina.  On that day in 1976, a military junta took over the country, unleashing a systemic plan of political persecution, kidnappings, torture, and murder of anyone the dictatorship considered “subversive.”  Human rights organizations estimate 30,000 people were forcibly disappeared and around 500 of their children were taken from them, raised under false identities. The landmark anniversary comes as President Milei has deliberately defunded state organizations and institutions linked to human rights and keeping the memory of the horrors of the dictatorship alive.  Front of the Ex-ESMA, one of the most vicious concentration camps to operate during the last military dictatorship. Thousands of people who worked in those sectors were fired, while the government has doubled down on a denialist view that considers the state terror of the time a mere “excess.” The government has also declared before the United Nations that the official number of disappeared is “false.” Expect a multitude of events and protests to mark the anniversary, which is held on the National Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice. World Cup madness All of Argentina’s economic, political and human rights problems will likely be put on hold come the winter for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The country will come together to support the two Lionels (DT Scaloni and captain Messi) and the rest of the football squad as they defend their Qatar title in the tournament, set to be played in Mexico, the United States, and Canada in June and July. The 2026 World Cup will be a turning point for football’s most important competition. The broadening from the 32-team format to an all-new 48-team system means there will be more teams and games to follow than ever before. Head coach Lionel Scaloni and superstar Lionel Messi will look to repeat in the 2026 World Cup. Photo: Carl Recine, Reuters However, some experts believe the new format brings too many teams into the competition, both diluting games and creating an additional burden for the players in an already packed football calendar. It’s also been debated whether international football body FIFA isn’t throwing many fans out of the party. Prices for tickets to the group stages have almost tripled since the 2022 Qatar World Cup and FIFA has recently announced that Fan Zones, the areas where supporters could meet up to watch games on a giant screen, will also have an entry fee for 2026. Whether the new format proves a success or not will be seen on June 11 when the inaugural match kicks off. The Herald turns 150! Whatever happens with the football, we at the Herald will have a good reason to celebrate a couple of months later. The story of the Buenos Aires Herald began in 1876. On September 15 of that year, Scottish immigrant William Cathcart took the exciting step of publishing a page filled with information about the city’s port, which has long been one of the world’s most important commercial hubs, thanks to Argentina’s grain and meat exports.  This page, published in English, blossomed into one of the first English-language newspapers in all of Latin America. Fast forward 150 years — after a brief closure — and we’re back, bringing you the latest news from Argentina and Latin America for a global audience.  Our commitment to truth and high-quality journalism remains as strong as ever. This dedication was especially evident during Argentina’s last dictatorship, when some of our journalists had to go into exile. We honor the legacy of Robert Cox and Andrew Graham-Yool, who serve as symbols of our commitment to the craft. Since our relaunch in 2022, the Herald has embarked on an exciting journey of growth and transformation. We are committed to delivering reliable, high-quality information to our readers while also exploring new formats and engaging with communities to strengthen our connection with the audience. As we begin 2026, we want to thank you for your support and invite you to continue to join us in this exciting anniversary year. Major artists playing in BA Music fans will have more reasons to celebrate this year. Buenos Aires is gearing up for some major international shows in 2026, kicking off strongly in February. First, there’s a sold-out My Chemical Romance show at Estadio Huracán, on Feb. 1, followed by Cosquín Rock (Feb. 14 in Córdoba), which will feature Franz Ferdinand, Chemical Brothers (DJ set), and Devendra Banhart, among others.  Global star Bad Bunny will take over River Plate Stadium across three nights (Feb. 13 to 15), while local trap artist Cazzu will play the Movistar Arena on the 28th. In March, Lollapalooza Argentina (March 13 to 15) boasts headliners including Sabrina Carpenter; Tyler, The Creator; Lorde; and Deftones. Later that month, legendary hard-rockers AC/DC return to River Plate for three concerts (23, 27, and 31).  Local pop star Lali will also play at River (on June 6 and 7) after selling out two concerts in just a couple of hours. Spanish singer Rosalía will present her latest hit album Lux in August, followed in October by two icons: German punk band Die Toten Hosen on October 10 and Iron Maiden on the 20 and 21. While the line up hasn’t been announced, the Primavera Sound in November will probably add some top-tier headliners to the calendar. Five regional neighbors hold elections  Outside of Argentina, other Latin American and Caribbean countries will be holding our attention with some key presidential elections.  Brazil (October 4) — The big one to watch out for. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will likely stand for re-election against right-wing candidates, possibly including former President Jair Bolsonaro’s son Flávio.  Colombia (May 31) — Since leftist leader Gustavo Petro can’t stand for re-election, the field of presidential hopefuls is wide open. Peru (April 2) — President José Jerí, who has been in office since Dina Boluarte’s impeachment in October, has said he will not stand for re-election. There are dozens of candidates, including Keiko Fujimori, daughter of former authoritarian leader Alberto Fujimori. Peru has had eight presidents over the past 10 years. Costa Rica (February 1) — President Rodrigo Chaves is on his way out. His party’s candidate is his former chief of staff, Laura Fernández. Other presidential hopefuls include a far-right evangelical and a center-left decarbonization activist. Haiti (August 30, provisionally) — Wracked by extreme violence, Haiti is currently run by a transition government. If presidential elections are held, they will be the first since November 2016, when Jovenel Moïse was elected. He was assassinated in 2021. Rafael Grossi could become UN Secretary General With the death of Pope Francis, Argentina lost its most important figure on the world stage, but this year could see another Argentine rise to international prominence. Argentine Rafael Grossi, who is currently International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head, was formally endorsed for UN-secretary general by the Argentine government in late November 2025 (Paraguay and Italy have also announced their support for his bid).  The United Nations is set to begin its deliberative process in July and reach a decision before current Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ term ends on December 31, 2026.  Argentine Rafael Grossi could become UN-secretary general. Photo: IAEA/Dean Calma So far, he is the only candidate to officially apply for the position. Other names swirling to potentially make a bid are former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, Costa Rican economist and UN Trade and Development head Rebeca Grynspan Mayufis, and former Bolivian Foreign Minister David Choquehuanca. If Grossi were to come out on top, he would be the second Latin American diplomat to become secretary general (Peruvian Javier Pérez de Cuéllar served between 1982 and 1991). Grossi, a career diplomat and expert in international relations, became the first Latin American head of the IAEA in December 2019. His most recent work was marked by the conflict surrounding Iran’s nuclear program as well as the war in Ukraine, where nuclear plant Zaporizhzhia was taken over by Russia in 2022. The Argentine diplomat was also the country’s ambassador to Austria between 2013 and 2019, and acted as national representative before Slovenia, Slovakia and international organizations based in Vienna.