Spain celebrated its World Cup triumph with a massive open-top bus parade through the streets of Madrid on Monday, drawing an estimated two million enthusiastic spectators.
The newly crowned FIFA World Cup champions enjoyed a lively evening as the team proceeded through the city center's main thoroughfares. Fans, clad in red and yellow, lined the routes, before the procession reached Cibeles Square, where the players took to the stage to party throughout the night.
The squad members and coach Luis de la Fuente were presented to the cheering crowds individually, accompanied by music that the fans sang along to, while the players wore shirts bearing the message, «We are champions.» The coach praised his players, calling them the «best in the world» and encouraging the fans not to forget that «together we are stronger.»
Before Rodri once again hoisted the trophy, the players and staff paused for photographs. This followed Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina in extra time on Sunday night in New Jersey, which secured their championship title. Upon returning to Madrid from the US, the players were greeted on Monday by King Felipe VI and the royal family, followed by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, before the parade commenced.
Players distributed the shining World Cup trophy to their devoted supporters, who watched from balconies and atop bus stops. Ferran Torres's goal in extra time secured Spain's second World Cup title, succeeding their first victory in 2010.
King Felipe VI addressed the La Roja stars, who were dressed in suits but later changed into more casual attire for the warm summer parade, stating, «You have shown your grit, your resilience and your courage ... combining head and heart.»
Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder, stated that winning with one's country is the greatest achievement, surpassing even a World Cup, noting that this generation grew up watching legends like Iker Casillas and Andrés Iniesta win the cup, making their current success monumental in football.
The bus parade began at the prime minister's residence, Moncloa, and concluded at Cibeles Square, a customary spot for the team's celebrations, where fans had secured their places hours in advance. Towards the end of the joyful night, the players lifted coach De la Fuente into the air on the stage at Cibeles Square.
Furthermore, Spain holds a unique record as the only nation to have won both the men's and women's World Cups simultaneously, having also claimed the title in 2023. In 2030, the men's team will defend their crown on home soil, alongside Portugal and Morocco. Pedro Sánchez commented on this dual achievement, suggesting, «Why not dream of a third in 2030, especially with Spain as hosts?»
Despite the participation of all-time great Lionel Messi, Argentina struggled to generate clear scoring opportunities against Spain's highly organized and proactive performance in Sunday's final. Although Messi delivered a sensational World Cup performance, he appeared subdued during the final, eventually shedding tears.
Spain managed to defeat Argentina 1-0, thereby winning their second FIFA World Cup title. The final match between the two teams was tense and lasted 125 minutes.
The final match took place at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday. The match attracted enormous attention from fans, especially due to the confrontation between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, where a recognized legend met an emerging young star.
Leading up to the final, Argentina demonstrated impressive play, managing to stage a comeback with a score of 2-1 against England in the semi-final. As for Spain, this was their first time reaching the World Cup final since their triumph in 2010, having defeated France 2-0 thanks to confident play.
