Two million fans shut down the streets of Madrid. Spain’s men’s national football team returned home with the FIFA World Cup trophy, capping off a massive street celebration following La Roja’s 1-0 extra-time victory over defending champions Argentina at MetLife Stadium. Ferran Torres struck the decisive goal in New Jersey, securing the nation’s first global title in 16 years.
The squad embarked on an open-top bus parade down Madrid’s historic avenues, traveling from near the Moncloa Palace directly to the traditional celebration hub of Cibeles Square.
Key Details
- Spain now simultaneously holds the Euro 2024 championship, the 2023 Women’s World Cup title, and the 2026 Men’s World Cup.
- The 26-man roster wore custom “Somos Campeones” shirts throughout the route.
- The victory mirrors their only other men’s World Cup title from 2010, which also ended in a 1-0 extra-time win.
Before boarding the bus, players and coaching staff secured audiences with King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to receive the nation’s highest honors.
The Cibeles Square stage featured a surprise broadcast from pop superstar Shakira. She sent a video message directly to the players and the sprawling crowd, stating that the squad showed the world what it means to work together with one mind and one heart.
But the nationwide euphoria did not arrive without a heavy cost. Local authorities confirmed a fatal incident occurred in the western town of Ciudad Rodrigo amidst the street parties. A 13-year-old boy was killed locally when a stone fountain collapsed under the weight of celebrating supporters.