Madrid welcomes World Cup champions Spain with massive parade

By Sanjay Menon — 20 July 2026 — 3 min read

Madrid celebrates World Cup victory

Spain‘s World Cup-winning football team received a grand welcome upon their return to Madrid, with an estimated 1.8 million people gathering to greet the squad. The team, comprising 26 players and their coaching staff, first met with the country’s royals and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday. This reception followed their 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final held in New Jersey, United States.

Prime Minister Sanchez commended the team, stating, “Thank you to the coaches and players for the style of play, the effort, and the victory. We have truly enjoyed watching you play.” Following the official reception, the squad embarked on a celebratory parade through central Madrid on an open-top bus. The bus, adorned with the phrase “Stars shine together” and photos of the footballers, carried the World Cup trophy. Players wore shirts emblazoned with “Somos Campeones” (“We Are Champions”) as they danced and interacted with the enthusiastic crowds.

Coach Luis de la Fuente expressed his sentiments before the parade, saying, “It’s been an emotional and proud experience to represent a wonderful country with such passionate and devoted fans. We are filled with joy.” The parade route wound through Madrid’s historic avenues, starting near Moncloa Palace, the prime minister’s official residence, and concluding at Cibeles Square. Authorities reported that approximately 120,000 people were present at Cibeles Square for a special ceremony.

Fan celebrations and a bittersweet victory

Fans began securing their spots at Cibeles Square early on Monday morning, some bringing umbrellas to shield themselves from temperatures reaching up to 35 Celsius (95 F). This square is a traditional gathering spot for Spain‘s national teams and Real Madrid when celebrating title wins. Singers Aitana, Ana Mena, and Lola Índigo were scheduled to perform for the crowd at the ceremony.

Spain secured their second World Cup title, and their first since 2010 in South Africa, with Ferran Torres scoring the winning goal in extra time on Sunday. The victory sparked widespread celebrations across Madrid, with thousands of supporters filling the streets from bars and restaurants. Many were seen draped in Spanish flags or wearing the team’s colours, celebrating late into Monday morning. Victor Alvarez, a 19-year-old fan, shared his excitement, stating, “I’m very happy. I’ve slept three or four hours, but for the team, I’ll do whatever it takes.”

The men’s World Cup triumph, combined with the Women’s World Cup won by Spain in 2023, marks the first time a European nation has held both titles simultaneously. However, the celebrations were tinged with sadness as local authorities reported the death of a 13-year-old in Salamanca, northwest of Madrid, after a fountain he had climbed onto during celebrations collapsed.

Argentina’s reflections on the final

Meanwhile, Argentina‘s captain Lionel Messi expressed his deep disappointment following the World Cup final loss. He stated that “the pain is immense” and that the wound “will take time to heal.” This marks Messi‘s second World Cup final defeat, having previously lost to Germany in 2014. At 39 years old, Messi‘s international future remains uncertain.

Messi acknowledged the team’s achievements, noting that they reached two consecutive World Cup finals. He also extended congratulations to Spain for their championship win. Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who received a second yellow card in injury time for a challenge on Pau Cubarsi, conveyed that he and his teammates had “defended these colors with pride, humility, and commitment.”

Messi contributed eight goals and four assists during Argentina‘s journey to the final, playing a crucial role in their comeback victories against Egypt and England in the knockout stages. The FIFA disciplinary committee has initiated an investigation into altercations between players from both teams at the final whistle.

Source: aljazeera.com