La Roja’s Homecoming: Two Million Fans Welcome World Champions in Madrid
IIE DIGITAL: The celebrations across Spain began the moment the final whistle confirmed their historic World Cup triumph. The festivities reached another level on Monday as the national team returned home to a hero’s welcome, with nearly two million passionate fans filling the streets of Madrid to celebrate their champions.
After landing in Spain, the 26 members of the squad and the coaching staff met with the country’s royal family. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia welcomed the victorious players, including Rodri, Cucurella and Yamal, before the team went on to meet Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
Praising the team’s style of football and their remarkable campaign, Sánchez thanked the players and coaching staff for their dedication and success, saying the country had thoroughly enjoyed watching them play.
The celebrations then moved to the streets of Madrid, where the World Cup winning squad travelled through the capital on an open top bus surrounded by a sea of supporters. The bus carried the message, “Stars Shine Together.” Around 1.2 million fans gathered at the iconic Cibeles Square, where a grand stage hosted an evening of music, dancing and celebrations.
Ahead of the victory parade, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expressed his pride in leading a national team supported by such passionate fans. He said representing a country with such devoted supporters was an immense honour.
Spain’s latest triumph has also created a unique chapter in football history. After the women’s team became world champions in 2023, the men’s side followed suit in 2026, making Spain the first country to simultaneously hold the World Cup titles in both men’s and women’s football. The Spanish side defeated defending champions Argentina in the final to lift the trophy for the second time, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal.
Spain’s defensive strength was equally impressive throughout the tournament. The team conceded just one goal across eight matches, setting a new record for the fewest goals conceded in a single edition of the World Cup.
The celebrations in Madrid also carried a glimpse of what lies ahead. Spain will be one of the hosts of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, jointly staging the tournament with Morocco and Portugal. In many ways, Monday’s grand homecoming in the capital felt like an early curtain raiser for the next World Cup on Spanish soil.
✈️🏆 The champions are home.
— Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) July 20, 2026
Spain welcomes back its World Champions.
The celebration starts now.
⭐⭐❤️🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/IvnbD45sUP
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