Spain celebrate World Cup glory with millions on the streets of Madrid

Spain's footballers returned home to a hero's welcome, as an estimated two million people packed the streets of Madrid to celebrate the nation's World Cup triumph.

The champions had sealed the title days earlier, beating Argentina 1–0 after extra time in a tense final. The victory set off jubilant scenes that carried from the stadium to the capital, where the squad was greeted by the country's royals and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez before parading the trophy in front of the vast crowd.

For Spain, the win crowns a golden era for the national side and adds another chapter to a footballing culture that has produced some of the sport's most admired teams. The scenes in Madrid — flags, fireworks and a sea of red — underlined how deeply the achievement resonated across the country.

The final itself was decided by the finest of margins. With the sides locked together through 90 minutes, the match stretched into extra time before Spain found the goal that separated the teams. Argentina, chasing glory of their own, were left to reflect on how close they came.

Victory parades on this scale are as much national celebrations as sporting ones. Businesses closed early, public transport strained under the crowds, and families lined the route to catch a glimpse of the players and the trophy. For a squad that will now be remembered as world champions, it was a moment to savour.

Attention will soon turn to what comes next — the qualifying campaigns, the club seasons and the inevitable questions about whether this team can sustain its dominance. But for one golden week, Spain simply celebrated being champions of the world.