Spain’s World Cup-winning soccer team is scheduled to return home on Monday. The 26-man squad will be warmly welcomed by royalty and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez before embarking on an open-top bus parade through central Madrid.
Fans will line the streets as the team travels from near Moncloa Palace, the prime minister’s official residence, to Cibeles Square. Here, a ceremony with the players will take place, echoing past celebrations by Spanish national teams and their supporters.
Spain clinched the trophy after a 1-0 victory against Argentina in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This marks only the second time Spain has captured the title, following their 2010 win in South Africa.
Ezra Shaw / FIFA via Getty Images
Celebrations erupted across the Spanish capital following the final whistle. Thousands of supporters took to the streets, brandishing Spanish flags or sporting the team’s colors. Notable locations like Madrid’s Puerta de Sol were packed with crowds singing, dancing, and setting off flares. Car horns blared, contributing to the jubilant atmosphere.
Many fans celebrated into the early 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 on Monday.
Spain’s victory adds to the Women’s World Cup win earlier in 2023. This achievement makes Spain the first European nation to hold both the men’s and women’s titles concurrently.
The celebrations were overshadowed by tragic news. Local authorities reported the death of a 13-year-old in Salamanca. A fountain collapsed after he climbed onto it with friends during the celebrations.
For many young Spanish fans, this is their first time experiencing the men’s team securing the trophy, along with the national exuberance that accompanies such a victory.
Anticipating the team’s return, supporters gathered at Madrid’s Barajas airport prepared to welcome them in the arrivals hall. Many wore team jerseys and waved Spanish flags.
Groups of fans started claiming spots near Cibeles Square early on Monday morning. They brought umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun, with temperatures forecasted to reach 35 Celsius (95 Fahrenheit).