Spain’s newly crowned FIFA World Cup champions returned home to a rapturous reception on Monday, with an estimated one million fans expected to line the streets of Madrid for a victory parade celebrating the country’s second World Cup title.
Fresh from their dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the Spanish squad landed at Madrid-Barajas Airport, where jubilant supporters gathered to welcome the team after a memorable tournament in the United States.
Captain Rodri proudly stepped off the Iberia aircraft holding the coveted FIFA World Cup trophy high above his head, symbolizing Spain’s return to the summit of world football for the first time since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
The team’s triumph has sparked scenes of celebration across Spain, with thousands of fans filling public squares, bars and city streets throughout Sunday night.
By Monday morning, Madrid’s famous Paseo de la Castellana bore the signs of an unforgettable celebration, with discarded flags, confetti, beer cans and shattered bottles scattered along the capital’s main boulevard as municipal workers raced to prepare the route for another day of festivities.
Many supporters who had celebrated through the night remained in the city centre, determined not to miss the arrival of their football heroes.
“I didn’t sleep much because of the celebrations and the tension of the match, Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida told Spanish radio. It was difficult for many of us to fall asleep after such an emotional night.
Following their arrival, the World Cup winners were scheduled to meet King Felipe VI at the Zarzuela Palace before proceeding to La Moncloa, where Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was set to officially receive the victorious squad.
The celebrations will culminate in an open-top bus parade through Madrid, beginning from La Moncloa and ending at the iconic Cibeles Square, the traditional venue for Spain’s major football celebrations.
Authorities expect around one million people to line the parade route, prompting heightened security measures and expanded public transportation services to manage the enormous crowds.
For many younger Spanish fans, this is the first opportunity to celebrate a men’s World Cup victory, having been too young or not yet born when Andrés Iniesta’s famous extra-time goal secured Spain’s maiden title against the Netherlands in 2010.
Spain claimed the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time.
The decisive moment came when Ferran Torres fired home after being set up by fellow substitute Nico Williams, giving Spain a deserved victory after dominating much of the contest.
It is not my goal; it is the goal of 47 million Spaniards,” Torres said after scoring the winning goal.
The victory capped an outstanding campaign for Luis de la Fuente’s side, who had earlier eliminated tournament favourites France in the semi-finals before overcoming Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the final.
Spain’s latest triumph also marks a unique milestone in world football.
Following the Spanish women’s World Cup success in 2023, Spain has now become the first country in history to simultaneously hold both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup titles.
The achievement further cements Spain’s reputation as one of football’s modern powerhouses.
The men’s national team will have an opportunity to defend their title in 2030, when Spain will co-host the FIFA World Cup alongside Portugal and Morocco.
Amid the nationwide festivities, tragedy struck in the western Spanish town of Ciudad Rodrigo, where a 13-year-old boy reportedly died after a fountain collapsed under the weight of football supporters celebrating Spain’s victory.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
While Spain celebrated, the mood in Buenos Aires was one of heartbreak after Argentina’s hopes of winning a fourth World Cup title were dashed.
Captain Lionel Messi, who enjoyed an outstanding tournament, struggled to influence the final and was visibly emotional after the match.
Despite the disappointment, hundreds of thousands of Argentine supporters were expected to welcome the national team home later on Monday in recognition of their impressive World Cup campaign.
Spain’s victory brings to an end a historic FIFA World Cup featuring 48 teams and 104 matches, with La Roja emerging as deserving world champions after five weeks of captivating football.
