Spain’s World Cup history makers receive heroes’ homecoming
Following their 2026 FIFA World Cup title victory on Sunday, the Spanish national team returned home on Monday to a royal welcome by fans, Spain’s royals and Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, as they celebrated in a homecoming bus parade in Central Madrid.
“Thank you to the coaches and players for the style of play, the effort and the victory. We have truly enjoyed watching you play,” Mr Sánchez said, upon receiving the champions.
The victorious 26-man squad alongside coaching staff, led by Luis de la Fuente, were in the moving open-top bus, accompanied by about two millions jubilant fans cheering them on the streets from near Moncloa Palace, the prime minister’s official residence, to Cibeles Square, where a ceremony was held in their honour, with about 120,000 people in attendance.
The players who wore shirts with the inscription “Somos Campeones” (We Are Champions), while dancing and interacting with fans, could be seen carrying the World Cup trophy on the bus inscribed with “Stars shine together” embossed with the players’ photos.
Addressing the crowd at the ceremony, Coach de la Fuente, thrown into the air by his players after being introduced, thanked them and the fans for their support.
He said, “Thank you Spain for supporting us, for being here. We are lucky to have 26 fantastic people who are also fantastic footballers, the best in the world. For me, it is an honour to manage them and share this moment with my coaching staff. Together we are stronger, don’t forget that. Long live Spain.”
Singers Aitana, Ana Mena and Lola Índigo, entertained the players and the crowd of supporters.
The celebration followed their lone goal victory over defending champions Argentina, in extra-time, at the final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States of America, to claim the trophy for the second time, after winning it for the first time in 2010 in South Africa.
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