Madrid erupted in a sea of red and yellow on Monday as Spain celebrated its second-ever World Cup title with an expansive open-top bus parade.
The Spanish squad, led by manager Luis de la Fuente, returned to the capital early Monday afternoon. Their initial stop was Zarzuela Palace for a formal reception, where they were congratulated by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and the Spanish royals, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.
From the palace, the team embarked on a celebratory bus tour through the city, heading towards the iconic Plaza de Cibeles, a traditional gathering point for Spanish football triumphs. Supporters had begun congregating in the square from early morning, anticipating the team's arrival.
The World Cup final concluded late Sunday night in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with the final whistle blowing just before midnight in Spain, leading to celebrations extending into Monday.
Spain clinched the championship with a 1-0 victory over Argentina in extra time, with forward Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal. Thousands of fans lined Madrid's historic avenues, cheering as the procession made its way to Cibeles Square.
Players shared moments of joy with the crowds. Defender Marc Cucurella, who played every minute of the tournament at left back, was seen holding the trophy aloft and engaging with fans. At Cibeles Square, he joined in a viral chant using his last name.
Nineteen-year-old star Lamine Yamal, a key contributor to the victory, was a prominent figure in the celebrations. His younger brother, Keyne, also captured attention, with Yamal spotting and holding up a fan's poster of him on the bus. Yamal was also seen singing along to music with teammates on the parade bus.
As the team reached Cibeles Square for the final ceremony, the energy remained high despite the evening setting in. Players were introduced individually, with captain Rodri, who also received the Golden Ball award, earning a significant ovation. Rodri's achievement marked a significant comeback, having recovered from a knee injury sustained in 2024.
The celebrations in Madrid marked the end of a 16-year drought for Spain's World Cup title. The current squad, transitioning from a previous generation of stars to a team featuring teenage talent like Yamal, anchored by midfielders such as Rodri, and bolstered by a strong defense that conceded only one goal throughout the tournament, signifies the arrival of a new era for Spanish international football.