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

Spain's national football team arrived in Madrid on Monday to a massive public reception following their World Cup victory. The squad, comprising 26 players and coaching staff, had secured the championship the previous day by defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final held in New Jersey. Upon arrival in the Spanish capital, the team met with the country's royal family and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who praised the players for their performance and style of play.

The celebration continued with an open-top bus parade through central Madrid's historic avenues. The route began near Moncloa Palace, the prime minister's official residence, and concluded at Cibeles Square, where authorities reported approximately 120,000 people gathered for a formal ceremony. The players displayed the World Cup trophy and wore commemorative shirts bearing the phrase "We Are Champions." Coach Luis de la Fuente expressed his pride in representing the nation, stating the team was filled with joy.

Cibeles Square, a traditional gathering place for Spanish sports celebrations, hosted the final ceremony despite intense heat with temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius. Fans had begun positioning themselves early in the day to secure viewing spots. The event featured performances by singers Aitana, Ana Mena, and Lola Índigo. Overall, officials estimated approximately 1.8 million people participated in welcoming the team throughout Madrid.

The victory marked Spain's second World Cup title, with their previous championship occurring in 2010 in South Africa. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time. Following the final whistle on Sunday, Madrid's streets filled with spontaneous celebrations as supporters emerged from bars and restaurants, many displaying Spanish flags and team colors. The festivities extended into the early hours of Monday morning, with crowds gathering at major squares including Puerta del Sol.