World Cup champions Spain return to royal welcome, parade through Madrid
Spain's national football team received a massive welcome in Madrid following their World Cup victory over Argentina. An estimated 2 million fans gathered to celebrate the team as they paraded through the city to Cibeles Square.
Why it matters
The event highlights the significant cultural and social impact of major international sporting events on national morale.
Tens of thousands of fans greet La Roja as they travel down Madrid’s historic avenues to Cibeles Square.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Spain's captain Rodri holds the World Cup trophy as the players parade on an open-top bus through the streets of Madrid [Thomas Coex/AFP] By AP Published On 20 Jul 2026 20 Jul 2026 Spain’s World Cup-winning football team has returned home, and an estimated crowd of almost 2 million was on hand to greet the squad through the streets of Madrid.
The 26 players and their coaching staff met with the country’s royals and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday after arriving in the Spanish capital a day after beating Argentina 1-0 in the final in New Jersey, United States.
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