Madrid erupted in a sea of red and white on Monday evening as more than one million jubilant fans lined the streets to welcome Spain's World Cup champion national team. The squad embarked on an open-top bus parade through the Spanish capital, marking their triumphant return after lifting the coveted trophy.
Supporters filled the city centre, Metro stations, and the entire bus route, greeting the players with enthusiastic chants of "España, España" and a multitude of mobile phones held high to capture the historic moment. From their bus, the players waved to the massive crowds, proudly displayed the World Cup trophy, and celebrated alongside their adoring fans. The atmosphere, once charged with the tension of the final, was replaced by overwhelming emotion and a collective desire to celebrate Spain's second World Cup title, 16 years after their historic win in South Africa in 2010. The celebratory route was set to culminate in Cibeles Square, the site of the main festivities.
Earlier on Monday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez extended an official welcome to the national team, congratulating them on their World Cup triumph. The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the players and coaching staff for their dedication and the exceptional football displayed throughout the tournament. He encouraged them to envision another victory in 2030, remarking, "Why not believe that, as the saying goes, good things come in threes?"
Following their meeting with the Prime Minister, the World Cup champions were received at Zarzuela Palace by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, who were accompanied by Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía. During the ceremony, the players spontaneously broke into the traditional chant of “Campeones, campeones” before gathering for an official photograph. King Felipe VI lauded the victory as an "epic triumph" and thanked the team for elevating Spain once again to the pinnacle of world football. He also commended their consistent efforts throughout the tournament and dismissed any past criticism, asserting that nothing could diminish "the joy of bringing the trophy home."
The team's journey home from the United States concluded when their Iberia flight touched down at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. This marked the first time the players had set foot on Spanish soil since their World Cup victory. Before the official celebrations commenced, the players were afforded a few hours of rest to share their triumph with their families.
In related news, FIFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Argentina. The governing body will investigate incidents involving several players and a member of the coaching staff that occurred during the World Cup final, to determine if any sanctions are warranted.
