MADRID — Spain’s World Cup-winning national team received a public welcome in Madrid on Monday as thousands of supporters gathered to celebrate the squad’s victory and the country’s second men’s World Cup title.
The team returned to the Spanish capital after defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final and took part in a series of official receptions before joining a victory parade through the city. Players and coaching staff met King Felipe VI and members of the royal family at Zarzuela Palace before attending a government reception with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
The celebrations continued with an open-top bus parade that moved through central Madrid toward Cibeles Square, a traditional location for major sporting celebrations. Local authorities estimated that around 1.8 million people attended celebrations across the capital, with supporters lining the route to welcome the players and the trophy.
Spain captain Rodri carried the World Cup trophy during the parade, while the squad interacted with supporters along the route. The team bus displayed the message “Stars shine together,” and players later joined a public ceremony at Cibeles Square.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez congratulated the team during the official reception, praising the players and coaching staff for their achievement. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente also thanked supporters and highlighted the significance of representing the country after the tournament triumph.
The victory marked Spain’s first men’s World Cup title since 2010 and their second overall. The result also placed Spain among the nations that have won the tournament multiple times.
The celebrations followed a final in which Spain secured a narrow win over Argentina, with the match decided by an extra-time goal from Ferran Torres, according to reports from the event.
Authorities managed security and crowd operations during the celebrations, while officials also reported a separate fatal accident involving a teenager during festivities in Salamanca.
Spain’s football federation and government officials have not announced additional public events beyond the Madrid celebrations. The national team is expected to continue scheduled appearances following its return from the World Cup campaign.
