Spain celebrated their World Cup triumph with hundreds of thousands of supporters in Madrid in an open top bus parade.
Luis de la Fuente and his squad landed back in the Spanish capital in the early afternoon on Monday, before meeting King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia at Zarzuela Palace.
They then headed through the streets on an open-top bus towards the Plaza de Cibeles, where fans had been gathering since morning to secure their spot.
It followed a long night of celebrations across the country, with supporters revelling in Spain’s win until the early hours — with the result confirmed just minutes before midnight local time.
La Roja saw off Argentina after a gruelling final in New Jersey, with Ferran Torres scoring the only goal in extra time.
The Spanish team was congratulated Sunday by the leaders of the three countries that co-hosted the tournament — U.S. President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
After the final whistle, the Spanish capital 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 colors.
Crowds packed Madrid’s Puerta de Sol and other major squares — singing, dancing and setting off flares while car horns blared throughout the capital.
Many celebrated Sunday’s victory long into the wee 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,” said 19 year-old Victor Álvarez early Monday.
The World Cup victory, combined with the Women’s World Cup won by Spain in 2023, makes the European nation the first to hold both the men’s and women’s 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.
