Spain’s World Cup-winning squad received a rapturous welcome in Madrid on Monday as an estimated two million fans lined the streets to celebrate their 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph.
The open-top bus parade saw jubilant supporters dressed in Spain’s red and yellow colours pack the city’s main roads before the team arrived at the iconic Cibeles Square for a night of celebrations.
Players, some shirtless and others carrying drinks, waved the World Cup trophy to cheering crowds after returning from the United States, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time in Sunday’s final. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal, securing Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title after their maiden success in 2010.
Coach Luis de la Fuente and his players were introduced individually on stage, each walking out to their chosen music while wearing “We are champions” shirts.
Pop star Shakira praised the champions in a recorded video message, saying Spain had shown the world “what it is to work together, with one mind and one heart.”
De la Fuente described his squad as “the best in the world” and urged supporters to remember that “together we are stronger.”
Earlier in the day, King Felipe VI and the Spanish royal family welcomed the team before Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez hosted the champions at the Moncloa Palace.
Captain Rodri, who proudly held the World Cup trophy as the squad landed in Madrid, described the triumph as the greatest achievement of his career.
“I’ve always said it, winning with your country is the most beautiful thing there is, above all a World Cup,” the Manchester City midfielder said.
Prime Minister Sánchez celebrated Spain’s perfect record in World Cup finals and expressed hope the nation could claim a third title in 2030 when Spain co-hosts the tournament alongside Portugal and Morocco.
Spain also became the first country to simultaneously hold both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup titles after the women’s team’s 2023 triumph.
Meanwhile, Argentina captain Lionel Messi admitted the defeat would be difficult to overcome, writing on Instagram that “the pain is immense” while congratulating Spain on their victory.
