Spain's midfielder Rodri holds their trophy as Spain's players parade onboard an open-top bus through the streets of Madrid on July 20, 2026, one day after the national football team won their second World Cup title following a 1-0 victory against Argentina. Spain's World Cup winners come back home to a heroes' welcome in Madrid, where a million fans are expected to greet them after a night of raucous celebrations across the country. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP)
Spain's captain Rodri holds the World Cup trophy as the players parade on an open-top bus through the streets of Madrid [Thomas Coex/AFP]

By AP

First published on 20 Jul 202620 Jul 2026

This World Cup victory marks Spain's second title, following their 2010 triumph in South Africa.

Spain’s World Cup-winning football team has returned home, and an estimated crowd of almost 2 million was on hand to greet the squad through the streets of Madrid.

On Monday, the 26 players and coaching staff met with the royal family and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez after arriving in Madrid, following their 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final held in New Jersey, United States.

“Thank you to the coaches and players for the style of play, the effort, and the victory,” Sanchez said. “We have truly enjoyed watching you play.”

The squad then boarded an open-top bus for a raucous parade through central Madrid. “Stars shine together” was written on the bus, which also carried photos of the footballers.

Spain fans pack Cibeles Square in Madrid on July 20, 2026, as they await the arrival of Spain's players one day after the national football team won their second World Cup title following a 1-0 victory against Argentina. Spain's World Cup winners come back home to a heroes' welcome in Madrid, where a million fans are expected to greet them after a night of raucous celebrations across the country. (Photo by Pierre-Philippe MARCOU / AFP)
Spain fans pack Cibeles Square in Madrid as they await the team’s arrival [Pierre-Philippe Marcou/AFP]

The players carried the World Cup trophy and wore shirts with “Somos Campeones” (“We Are Champions”). They danced and interacted with the fans along the route.

“It’s been an emotional and proud experience to represent a wonderful country with such passionate and devoted fans,” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said before the parade started. “We are filled with joy.”

The team traveled along Madrid's historic avenues from near Moncloa Palace, the prime minister's official residence, to Cibeles Square, where local media reported that around 120,000 people attended the ceremony.

Spain's team pose with their trophy on the tarmac upon their arrival from the US after winning the 2026 World Cup, in Madrid Barajas' airport, on July 20, 2026. Spain's World Cup winners come back home to a heroes' welcome in Madrid, where a million fans are expected to greet them after a night of raucous celebrations across the country. (Photo by Oscar DEL POZO / AFP)
Spain’s team pose with their trophy on the tarmac upon their arrival from the US [Oscar Del Pozo/AFP]

Groups of fans had begun securing their spots near Cibeles late on Monday morning ahead of the team’s arrival, bringing umbrellas to protect against the sun and temperatures of up to 35 Celsius (95 F).

The square is where previous Spain teams and their supporters have typically gathered to celebrate. It is also the traditional celebration spot for Real Madrid when it wins titles.

Singers Aitana, Ana Mena, and Lola Índigo were set to entertain the crowd at the ceremony at Cibeles.

Spain's forward Lamine Yamal celebrates on a stage at Cibeles Square in Madrid on July 20, 2026, one day after winning their second World Cup title following a 1-0 victory against Argentina. Spain's World Cup winners come back home to a heroes' welcome in Madrid, where a million fans are expected to greet them after a night of raucous celebrations across the country. (Photo by Oscar DEL POZO / AFP)
Lamine Yamal celebrates on a stage at Cibeles Square [Oscar Del Pozo/AFP]

Officials estimated that about 1.8 million people welcomed the team in Madrid.

Spain walked off with the trophy on Sunday after Ferran Torres scored the winner in extra time to secure their second World Cup title – and the first since 2010 in South Africa.

The team was congratulated by the leaders of the three countries that cohosted the tournament: US President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

After the final whistle, Madrid erupted into celebrations, with thousands of supporters pouring into the streets from bars and restaurants, many draped in Spanish flags or wearing the team’s colours.

Crowds packed the capital’s Puerta del Sol and other major squares, singing, dancing, and setting off flares while car horns blared.

Many celebrated Sunday’s victory long into the early hours of Monday morning.

“I’m very happy. I’ve slept three or four hours, but for the team, I’ll do whatever it takes,” 19-year-old Victor Alvarez said.

The men’s victory, combined with the Women’s World Cup won by Spain in 2023, makes the European nation the first to hold both titles simultaneously.

“Honestly, it was very exciting. We preferred not to go to any bar or anything, to experience it at home, focused and very happy, very joyful,” 59-year-old civil servant Gema Rodero said.

Celebrations were dampened, however, after local authorities reported that a 13-year-old in Salamanca, northwest of Madrid, had died after a fountain he had climbed onto with friends to celebrate had collapsed.

For many young supporters, the triumph is their first time witnessing the men’s team lift the trophy and the national delirium that has followed.

The celebration at Cibeles Square is a storied tradition for Spanish football triumphs, mirroring the jubilation of Real Madrid's title wins. The scorching 35°C (95°F) heat did not deter the massive crowds, who began gathering hours in advance. The team's unity and style of play, praised by the prime minister, underscored a triumphant campaign that captivated the nation.