Spain celebrates World Cup win with huge parade

Spain celebrated their World Cup win with hundreds of thousands of fans in Madrid. They held an open-top bus parade to mark the occasion.

Coach Luis de la Fuente and his team arrived back in Madrid early Monday afternoon. They met with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia at Zarzuela Palace before continuing their celebration.

The team then rode through the streets on an open-top bus towards Plaza de Cibeles. Fans had gathered there since morning to catch a glimpse of the team.

This celebration came after a long night of partying across the country. Fans enjoyed Spain’s win until the early hours, with the final score confirmed just before midnight local time.

La Roja defeated Argentina in a tough final held in New Jersey. Ferran Torres scored the only goal during extra time.

After the match, the leaders of the three countries that co-hosted the tournament congratulated the Spanish team. U.S. President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney sent their best wishes.

As soon as the final whistle blew, Madrid erupted in celebration. Thousands of supporters flooded the streets from bars and restaurants. Many waved Spanish flags or wore the team’s colors.

Crowds filled Madrid’s Puerta de Sol and other major squares. They sang, danced, and set off flares while car horns echoed throughout the city.

Many fans celebrated the victory well into Monday morning. Victor Álvarez, a 19-year-old, expressed his joy saying, "I’m very happy. I’ve slept three or four hours, but for the team, I’ll do whatever it takes."

Spain’s World Cup win, along with the Women’s World Cup victory in 2023, makes them the first country to hold both titles at the same time.

Gema Rodero, a 59-year-old civil servant, shared her excitement: "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."

But the celebrations were tinged with sadness. Local authorities reported a tragic incident in Salamanca, northwest of Madrid. A 13-year-old boy died after a fountain he climbed with friends to celebrate collapsed.