Spain’s FIFA World Cup-winning squad returned home to a hero’s welcome on Monday, with hundreds of thousands of jubilant supporters lining the streets of Madrid as the newly crowned world champions celebrated their historic triumph. ESPN reported that the 26-man squad was welcomed by Spain’s royal family and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez before taking part in an open-top bus parade through the Spanish capital.
The celebrations came less than 24 hours after Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, to lift the country’s second men’s World Cup trophy. Spain’s only previous triumph came in 2010 in South Africa.
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According to ESPN, an estimated two million fans filled Madrid’s historic avenues as the team traveled from near Moncloa Palace, the official residence of the prime minister, to the iconic Cibeles Square, where Spain’s national teams have traditionally celebrated major international titles.
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Addressing the supporters gathered in the city center, head coach Luis de la Fuente praised both his players and the fans who backed them throughout the tournament.
“Thank you Spain for supporting us, for being here,” De la Fuente said. “We are lucky to have 26 fantastic people who are also fantastic footballers, the best in the world.”
“For me, it is an honor to manage them and share this moment with my coaching staff. Together we are stronger, don’t forget that. Long live Spain!”
The celebrations began immediately after Sunday’s final game, with thousands of supporters pouring into Madrid’s Puerta del Sol and other major squares. Fans draped in Spanish flags sang, danced and lit flares as car horns echoed across the capital well into the early hours of Monday morning.
Spain’s victory also secured a unique place in football history. Combined with the country’s triumph at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Spain became the first nation to simultaneously hold both the men’s and women’s World Cup titles.
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Messages of congratulations poured in from around the world, including from the leaders of the tournament’s three co-host nations: U.S. President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The celebrations, however, were overshadowed by tragedy after local authorities reported that a 13-year-old boy in Salamanca died when a fountain he had climbed with friends during the celebrations collapsed.