Spain’s World Cup trophy parade brought Madrid to life as fans celebrated the national team’s historic victory after beating Argentina in the final

Spain’s national team brought the FIFA World Cup trophy back to Madrid on Monday, July 20, 2026, as head coach Luis de la Fuente and his victorious squad celebrated their historic triumph with hundreds of thousands of supporters during a city-wide parade.

Also read: Messi Shares Emotional Reaction After World Cup Loss

The players arrived in the Spanish capital in the early afternoon before meeting King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia at Zarzuela Palace, where the monarchs congratulated the team following its dramatic victory over Argentina in the final.

The celebrations continued as the squad travelled through Madrid on an open-top bus, making its way towards Plaza de Cibeles, where supporters had gathered since the morning to welcome the new world champions.

The trophy parade followed a night of nationwide celebrations after La Roja secured their second men’s World Cup title with a hard-fought 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina in New Jersey.

Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal during extra time in a tense final that saw Spain withstand pressure from the defending champions to lift football’s biggest prize once again.

After the final whistle, Madrid erupted into celebrations, with thousands of fans filling major locations including Puerta del Sol and other central squares.

Supporters waved Spanish flags, wore national team colours, sang songs and celebrated deep into the night.

“I’m very happy. I’ve slept three or four hours, but for the team, I’ll do whatever it takes,” 19-year-old supporter Victor Álvarez said as fans continued celebrating the historic achievement.

The victory created another milestone for Spanish football. Combined with the women’s national team winning the Women’s World Cup in 2023, Spain became the first country to hold both the men’s and women’s world titles at the same time.

For many supporters, the achievement represented more than a sporting success. It reflected a moment of national pride shared across generations.

Civil servant Gema Rodero, 59, described the celebrations as deeply emotional, saying she chose to experience the occasion at home with family rather than in crowded venues.

“Honestly, it was very exciting. We preferred not to go to any bar or anything, to experience it at home, focused and very happy, very joyful,” she said.

The Spanish team also received congratulations from the leaders of the three countries that hosted the tournament, including United States President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

However, the celebrations were overshadowed by tragedy after authorities reported the death of a 13-year-old boy in Salamanca, north-west Spain.

The teenager reportedly died after a fountain he had climbed with friends during the celebrations collapsed.

Also read: Messi Shares Emotional Reaction After World Cup Loss

Despite the unfortunate incident, Spain’s return home marked a defining moment for the national team, whose victory has united supporters across the country and cemented a new chapter in its football history.