Spain's World Cup champions return home for parade in front of almost 2 million

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Sports Spain's World Cup champions return home for parade in front of almost 2 million July 21, 20263:09 AM ET By The Associated Press Players from Spain's national soccer team celebrate at Cibeles Square in Madrid on Monday, July 20, 2026, after Spain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final in East Rutherford, N. Bernat Armangue/AP hide caption toggle caption Bernat Armangue/AP MADRID — Spain's World Cup-winning soccer team returned home on Monday 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 then with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, after arriving in the Spanish capital a day after beating Argentina 1-0 in the final in New Jersey.

"Thank you to the coaches and players for the style of play, the effort and the victory," Sánchez said. "We have truly enjoyed watching you play. " The squad then boarded an open-top bus for a raucous parade through central Madrid.

The Details

"Stars shine together" was written on the bus, which also carried photos of the footballers. Spain's Lamine Yamal reacts during celebrations with his national team teammates at Cibeles Square in Madrid on Monday, July 20, 2026, after Spain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final in East Rutherford, N. Manu Fernandez/AP hide caption toggle caption Manu Fernandez/AP Players — carrying the World Cup trophy and wearing shirts with the words Somos Campeones (We Are Champions) — danced and interacted with the fans along the route.

Sponsor Message "It's been an emotional and proud experience to represent a wonderful country with such passionate and devoted fans," Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said before the parade started. "We are filled with joy. " Players from Spain's national soccer team celebrate atop a bus as it travels through crowded streets in Madrid, Monday, July 20, 2026, after Spain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final in East Rutherford, N.

César Vallejo/Europa Press via AP hide caption toggle caption César Vallejo/Europa Press via AP The squad traveled down Madrid's historic avenues from near Moncloa Palace, the prime minister's official residence, to Cibeles Square, where authorities told local media that some 120,000 people were on hand for a ceremony. Players were introduced one by one before entering the stage set up at the square. Each picked the song to be played when they came in.

What Experts Say

Álex Baena, celebrating his 25th birthday, entered with the World Cup trophy. Coach De la Fuente was thrusted into the air by his players after being introduced. The coach was among those who sang along to the song being played for them.

Players from Spain's national soccer team celebrate at Cibeles Square in Madrid on Monday, July 20, 2026, after Spain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final in East Rutherford, N.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.