World champions Spain land in Madrid as heroic welcome awaits

MADRID: The players and support staff of the Spain squad landed here on Monday afternoon following their FIFA World Cup 2026 glory, for which they edged past defending champions Argentina 1-0 in the final at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford.

According to international media, captain Rodri carried the glittering trophy down the passenger steps alongside coach Luis de la Fuente.

The players and officials then stopped for a brief photoshoot in front of the plane as they were to continue the celebrations with a reception by King Felipe VI at the royal palace and a welcome by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

The festivities will then feature an open-top bus parade through the capital, and will culminate in the evening with a ceremony at Cibeles Square, where Spanish teams traditionally celebrate titles.

The report further suggested that hundreds of thousands of fans are expected to join the festivities there, and Spain defender Marc Cucurella was anticipating a grand celebration.

"We are really looking forward to returning to Spain. many people couldn't be here and we want to celebrate with everyone. I think we deserve a good celebration," Cucurella said post-match.

The European champions, competing in their first final since winning their maiden FIFA World Cup title in 2010, completely outclassed Argentina, who failed to register a single shot on target during the regulation time.

Argentina then sustained a major setback just three minutes into the first half of the extra time as their semi-final hero Enzo Fernandez was shown a red card for a rough tackle, which saw Spain centre-back Pau Cubarsi flip and land awkwardly on his back.

With the opposition down to 10 men, Spain made the most of the opportunity and netted the opener just three minutes later through Ferran Torres, who buried the ball into the net after it was deflected off Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Argentina then made multiple attempts to net the equaliser, but Spain's defence kept them at bay until the final whistle.