World Cup champions Spain return to royal welcome, parade through Madrid

What the report says

Al Jazeera, citing AP, reported that Spain’s men’s football team returned to Madrid on Monday to a large official and public celebration after winning the World Cup. The squad arrived in the Spanish capital a day after defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final in New Jersey, with Ferran Torres scoring in extra time. Officials estimated that about 1.8 million people greeted the team across Madrid.

The 26 players and coaching staff first met Spain’s royals and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who thanked them for their play, effort and victory. The team then rode through central Madrid on an open-top bus carrying the message “Stars shine together,” while players displayed the trophy and wore shirts reading “Somos Campeones.” Coach Luis de la Fuente described representing Spain and its supporters as an emotional source of pride.

The parade route ran from near Moncloa Palace toward Cibeles Square, a traditional site for Spanish football celebrations and Real Madrid title gatherings. Authorities told local media that around 120,000 people were at Cibeles for a ceremony where singers Aitana, Ana Mena and Lola Índigo were due to perform. Fans had gathered for hours in high heat, with temperatures reported up to 35C.

The victory gave Spain its second men’s World Cup title, following its 2010 win, and came after Spain’s women won the Women’s World Cup in 2023, making the country the first to hold both titles at the same time. Al Jazeera also reported that celebrations were marred by the death of a 13-year-old in Salamanca after a fountain collapsed during festivities.