The Spanish national football team returned home after winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Luis de la Fuente’s side receiving a hero’s welcome on Monday. Nearly 1.8 million fans took to the streets of the capital, Madrid, to celebrate the champions.
Spain won their second World Cup title, defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final in New Jersey, USA. Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute of extra time.
Upon returning home, the players and coaching staff first met with members of the royal family before meeting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who congratulated the team, saying, “A huge thank-you to the coaches and players for the beautiful football, the unwavering effort, and this unforgettable victory. We’re truly delighted to have watched you play.”
The entire squad then took part in a celebratory parade through Madrid aboard an open-top bus, decorated with images of the players and the message “The stars shine together.” The players waved to fans while holding the World Cup trophy and wearing T-shirts reading “Somos Campeones” (“We are the champions”).
“I’m proud to represent such a great country. We’re proud, we’re happy,” said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente ahead of the parade.
The procession began at the Prime Minister’s official residence, Moncloa Palace, and concluded at the historic Cibeles Square. According to local authorities, at least 120,000 people gathered at the main reception site.
Before taking the stage, each player was introduced individually. Alex Baena walked out holding the World Cup trophy on his 25th birthday, and the players celebrated by lifting coach De la Fuente onto their shoulders.
Striker Borja Iglesias was spotted at one point taking a turn as DJ, while performances from popular singers Aitana, Ana Mena, and Lola Índigo kept both players and fans entertained. The celebration closed with the entire squad raising the trophy together.
Celebrations had already begun across the country on Sunday night, not just in Madrid, to mark the World Cup win. Thousands of fans, waving Spanish flags, sang, danced, and set off fireworks in public squares nationwide, including the capital’s Puerta del Sol, with many staying out on the streets until the early hours of Monday morning.
Spain made history by winning the Women’s World Cup in 2023 and the Men’s World Cup in 2026, becoming the first country ever to hold both titles simultaneously.
