The Spanish national team, which won the FIFA World Cup, returned home on Monday, and an estimated nearly 2 million people greeted the team on the streets of Madrid, reports UNN citing AP.
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The 26 players and their coaching staff met with the country's royal family and then with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, after arriving in the Spanish capital a day after defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final in New Jersey.
Spain defeated Argentina and became world champion for the first time in 16 years20.07.26, 01:06
"Thank you to the coaches and players for the style of play, effort and victory. We truly enjoyed watching your game," Sanchez said.
The team then boarded an open-top bus for a noisy parade through central Madrid. The bus was emblazoned with "Stars Shine Together" and also featured photos of the footballers.
The players, who carried the World Cup trophy and wore shirts reading Somos Campeones ("We are Champions"), danced and interacted with fans along the route.
"It was an emotional and proud experience to represent a great country with such passionate and dedicated fans. We are filled with joy," said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente before the parade began.
The team traveled through Madrid's historic avenues from the Moncloa Palace, the official residence of the prime minister, to the Plaza de Cibeles, where authorities said about 120,000 people gathered for the ceremony.
The players were introduced one by one before they took the stage set up in the square. Each chose a song to play as they entered. Alex Baena, who was celebrating his 25th birthday, entered with the World Cup trophy.
After the introductions, the players tossed coach De la Fuente into the air. The coach was among those singing along to the songs that were played.
Forward Borja Iglesias at one point acted as a DJ, while his teammates danced on stage.
Singers Aitana, Ana Mena, and Lola Indigo were among those entertaining the public and the players.
The ceremony ended with the entire Spanish national team lifting the trophy again, just as at the awards ceremony on Sunday, but now in front of the home crowd.
Groups of fans began taking their spots near Cibeles late Monday morning before the team's arrival, bringing umbrellas for protection from the sun and temperatures up to 35 degrees Celsius.
Previous Spanish teams and their fans have typically gathered in the square to celebrate victory. It is also a traditional celebration spot for Real Madrid when they win titles.
Officials estimated that a total of 1.8 million people welcomed the team in Madrid.
Spain received the trophy on Sunday after Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in extra time, securing Spain's second World Cup title — and the first since 2010 in South Africa.
The team was congratulated by the leaders of the three countries that co-hosted the tournament — U.S. President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
After the final whistle, Madrid erupted in celebration, with thousands of fans pouring onto the streets from bars and restaurants, many dressed in Spanish flags or team colors.
Crowds filled the Puerta del Sol square and other major squares of the capital — singing, dancing, and setting off flares as car horns blared.
Many celebrated Sunday's victory late into the night and into Monday.
Fans in Madrid celebrated all night after Spain's victory at the 2026 World Cup20.07.26, 09:32