Spain’s FIFA World Cup 2026-winning squad is set to receive a grand welcome in Madrid after securing the country’s second men’s World Cup title. The celebrations will include meetings with Spain’s royal family and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez before the players take part in an open-top bus parade through the capital.

The 26-man squad will travel from the area near Moncloa Palace, the official residence of the prime minister, to the iconic Cibeles Square, where thousands of supporters are expected to gather. A public ceremony featuring the players will also be held at the square, which has become the traditional venue for national football celebrations.

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Spain celebrate historic World Cup victory

Spain lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal, helping La Roja win the tournament for only the second time after their triumph in South Africa in 2010.

Moments after the final whistle, celebrations erupted across Madrid as supporters flooded streets, restaurants and public squares. Fans wearing Spain jerseys and waving national flags gathered in Puerta del Sol and other parts of the city, celebrating with songs, flares and car horns well into the early hours of Monday.

One supporter, 19-year-old Victor Álvarez, summed up the mood after the celebrations. “I’m very happy. I’ve slept three or four hours, but for the team, I’ll do whatever it takes,” he said.

Spain makes football history

The latest triumph has added another milestone to Spanish football. With the men’s team winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the women’s national team having claimed the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, Spain has become the first country to hold both global titles at the same time.

The achievement has made this victory especially memorable for younger supporters, many of whom witnessed the men’s national team win the World Cup for the first time.

Fans gather ahead of team’s arrival

Supporters began arriving at Madrid’s Barajas Airport ahead of the team’s return, hoping to welcome the players back to Spain. Others secured places near Cibeles Square hours before the scheduled celebrations, carrying umbrellas as temperatures were expected to reach 35 degrees Celsius.

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The celebrations, however, were marked by tragedy after local authorities reported that a 13-year-old boy died in Salamanca when a fountain he had climbed with friends during the celebrations collapsed.

Despite the heartbreaking incident, Spain is preparing for a nationwide celebration as thousands of supporters gather in Madrid to welcome home the newly crowned FIFA World Cup 2026 champions.

FAQs

When will Spain’s World Cup-winning team return home?

Spain’s FIFA World Cup 2026-winning squad is scheduled to return home on Monday for a victory parade in Madrid.

Where will Spain celebrate its World Cup victory?

The main celebrations will take place at Cibeles Square in Madrid after an open-top bus parade through the city.