Argentina finishes second at Santa Fe 2026 South American Games with 80 gold medals

Argentina concluded the 2026 South American Games in Santa Fe with 80 gold, 86 silver, and 125 bronze medals, totaling 291 podium finishes. The host nation placed second behind Brazil, which led with 120 golds and 308 total medals, while Colombia took third with 69 golds. This marks Argentina's highest gold count since the 2006 Buenos Aires Games, surpassing the 58 golds won at Asunción 2022.

In team sports, the women's hockey team Las Leonas defeated Chile 5-0 for gold, while the men's team Los Leones beat the same opponent 3-1. The men's football U-19 side lost the final to Paraguay at Rosario's Marcelo Bielsa Stadium. Finals in men's handball against Chile and men's water polo against Brazil were underway on the final day.

Swimming produced multiple golds for Argentina. Macarena Ceballos won the 50m, 100m, and 200m breaststroke events, while Cecilia Dieke claimed the 50m and 100m backstroke titles, setting a Games record of 1:00.61 in the latter. The women's 4x100m medley relay team also secured gold.

Canoeing emerged as a dominant discipline on Laguna Setúbal. Magdalena Garro captured three gold medals, winning the women's K4 500m, K2 500m alongside Brenda Rojas, and the mixed K2 500m with Agustín Vernice. Rojas added a second gold in the mixed event. The closing ceremony is scheduled for Saturday evening at Parque del Sur.