Spain’s newly crowned FIFA World Cup champions returned to Madrid on Monday after defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final, with massive celebrations planned across the capital as nearly one million fans prepared to welcome the team home.
Captain Rodri proudly carried the World Cup trophy as the squad disembarked from their flight following Sunday’s dramatic victory in New Jersey. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time to hand Spain its second World Cup title, ending a 16-year wait since the nation’s historic triumph in 2010.
The victory has sparked widespread celebrations throughout Spain, with football fans filling the streets in jubilation. Madrid’s Castellana Avenue showed signs of overnight festivities, with cleanup crews working early to prepare the city for another day of celebration.
Players are scheduled to meet King Felipe VI at Zarzuela Palace before heading to La Moncloa for a reception hosted by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. The team will then embark on an open-top bus parade through Madrid, ending at the iconic Cibeles Square, where supporters will gather for an official celebration.
Authorities expect around one million people to line the parade route, with enhanced security and transportation arrangements put in place to accommodate the crowds.
Many fans described the victory as a historic moment worth celebrating, especially after Spain’s long wait for another World Cup title. The achievement also means Spain now simultaneously holds both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup trophies, following the women’s success in 2023.
Looking ahead, Spain will have the opportunity to defend its title on home soil during the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host alongside Portugal and Morocco.
Spanish newspapers praised the team’s remarkable campaign, describing the players as legends after victories over France in the semi-finals and Argentina in the final.
However, the celebrations were overshadowed by tragedy after a 13-year-old boy lost his life in Ciudad Rodrigo when a fountain collapsed under the weight of fans celebrating the victory.
Meanwhile, Argentina’s defeat left supporters heartbroken despite another impressive tournament from Lionel Messi. The defending champions were unable to break down Spain’s disciplined defense, and Enzo Fernandez’s red card further complicated their efforts before Ferran Torres sealed the historic win in extra time.
