Spain’s World Cup-winning team received a rapturous welcome in Madrid on Monday as an estimated two million fans lined the city’s streets to celebrate their 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph.
The players travelled aboard an open-top bus through the Spanish capital, waving the World Cup trophy to jubilant supporters dressed in the national colours of red and yellow. The celebrations culminated at the iconic Cibeles Square, where the squad joined thousands of fans for a festive ceremony.
The players, accompanied by head coach Luis de la Fuente, were introduced individually on stage while wearing commemorative “We Are Champions” shirts.
Before the parade, the team was received by King Felipe VI and the Spanish royal family before meeting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who congratulated the squad on winning the country’s second FIFA World Cup title.
Addressing the players, King Felipe praised their determination and teamwork, saying they had demonstrated resilience, courage and unity throughout the tournament.
Prime Minister Sánchez also hailed the achievement, expressing confidence that Spain could defend the title when it co-hosts the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Portugal and Morocco.
“It’s two for two. Why not dream of a third in 2030, especially with Spain as hosts?” Sánchez said.
Spain captain Rodri described lifting the World Cup as the greatest achievement of his career, saying representing and winning with his country surpassed every club honour.
“I’ve always said winning with your country is the most beautiful thing there is, above all a World Cup,” he said.
Match-winner Ferran Torres, whose extra-time goal secured Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium, joked that he was still “flying” after the team’s return from the United States.
Coach De la Fuente praised his players as “the best in the world” and urged supporters to remember that unity had been the foundation of Spain’s success.
The celebrations also featured a video message from international music star Shakira, who congratulated the team for showing the world the power of working together with “one mind and one heart.”
Spain secured their second World Cup title, 16 years after winning their maiden crown in South Africa in 2010. The victory also means Spain now simultaneously hold both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup titles, following the women’s triumph in 2023.
The men’s team will have the opportunity to defend their crown on home soil in 2030 when Spain co-hosts the tournament with Portugal and Morocco.
