Spain Celebrates World Cup Triumph in Madrid

Spain celebrated its World Cup triumph in Madrid on Monday, with thousands of fans gathering to welcome their victorious players back home. The Spanish squad, led by manager Luis de la Fuente and captain Rodri, arrived in Madrid in the afternoon after their successful campaign in the World Cup 2026.

Fans began gathering hours in advance, braving the 35C heat as they claimed their viewing spots for the parade that started at 18:00 BST. The squad's first stop was at Zarzuela Palace, where they met King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofia.

Once the parade commenced from the Moncloa district, fans lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the team as they slowly made their way through the city. Rodri, standing proudly at the front of the bus, raised the trophy high for all to see.

Among the crowd, young Lamine Yamal held up a sign referencing the post-match scuffles, calling for a boxing match between Gavi and Argentina's Leandro Paredes. The atmosphere was electric as the world champions were showered with cheers, reflecting the pride of their supporters.

As Ferran Torres, the player who scored the winning goal in the final, basked in the spotlight, de la Fuente experienced a celebratory moment himself as fans lifted him in the air when he stepped onto the stage.

The jubilation continued late into the evening as the players arrived at the renowned Cibeles Fountain, marking a historic day for Spanish football, while media outlets reported on the team’s success, filling the front and back pages with stories of their victory.