Spain’s FIFA World Cup winners returned home on Monday to a hero’s welcome after lifting the country’s second world title.
The 26 player squad first met King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia before visiting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Madrid. They later boarded an open top bus for a victory parade through the Spanish capital.
Hundreds of thousands of fans lined the streets from Moncloa Palace to Cibeles Square. Supporters waved Spanish flags, sang songs and celebrated the team’s success. A special ceremony was also held at Cibeles, where Spain has celebrated many famous football victories.
Spain won the FIFA World Cup on Sunday after beating Argentina 1-0 in extra time in New Jersey. Ferran Torres scored the only goal to secure the country’s first World Cup title since 2010.
Leaders of the United States, Mexico and Canada, the three host nations of the tournament, congratulated the Spanish team after the final.
Celebrations had already begun across Madrid on Sunday night. Thousands of supporters filled Puerta del Sol and other famous squares. Many wore Spain shirts or carried national flags. Fans sang, danced and celebrated until early Monday morning.
“I’ve only slept three or four hours, but for this team, it’s worth it,” 19 year old supporter Victor Alvarez said.
For many young fans, it was the first time they had seen Spain win the men’s World Cup.
The victory also made history. Spain became the first nation to hold both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup titles at the same time.
Not all the news was joyful. A 13 year old boy died in Salamanca after a fountain he climbed during the celebrations collapsed, according to local authorities.
Despite the tragedy, thousands gathered near Cibeles Square hours before the team’s arrival, waiting in the summer heat to welcome their new world champions.
