Spain’s Celebrated Return as World Cup Champions

3 weeks ago 0

Spain’s World Cup-winning soccer team is scheduled to return home on Monday. The 26-man squad will receive a grand welcome with royalty and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez present. Following this, they will embark on an open-top bus parade through central Madrid.

Fans are expected to line the streets from Moncloa Palace, the official residence of the prime minister, to Cibeles Square. A ceremony with the players will take place at the square, a traditional site where Spanish national teams have celebrated past victories.

Spain claimed the trophy in Sunday’s final by defeating defending champion Argentina 1-0 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It’s their second title win, the first being in 2010 in South Africa.

After the final whistle, the Spanish capital was alive with celebration. Thousands of fans filled the streets from bars and restaurants, waving Spanish flags and wearing team colors. Madrid’s Puerta del Sol and other major squares were packed with crowds celebrating through song, dance, and flare signals. Car horns blared throughout the city as the festivities continued into the early hours of Monday.

“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 early Monday.

The victory, along with the Women’s World Cup won by Spain in 2023, makes Spain the first nation to hold both men’s and women’s titles at the same time.

However, the celebrations were marred by a tragic incident. A 13-year-old in Salamanca, northwest of Madrid, died after a fountain he climbed onto with friends collapsed.

For many young fans, this win marks their first experience of witnessing the men’s team raise the trophy and the national excitement that followed.

Prior to the team’s arrival, supporters gathered at Madrid’s Barajas airport to welcome them. The arrivals hall filled with fans in team jerseys waving Spanish flags.

Groups also began to secure spots near Cibeles Square by late Monday morning. They brought umbrellas to guard against the bright sun and rising temperatures, expected to reach 35 Celsius (95 Fahrenheit).