Anticipation is building as more than a million Spaniards, many still feeling the effects of the nation’s stunning World Cup win over Argentina, are set to gather in central Madrid on Monday night to celebrate the return of their victorious national team.
La Roja, who triumphed over Argentina 1-0 in the final held in New Jersey on Sunday, received a warm welcome upon their arrival at Barajas airport in Madrid at 2:30 PM local time on Monday.
Captain Rodri proudly held the trophy aloft as he disembarked from the plane, his medal from the previous night hanging around his neck. The team paused for a photo op before moving into terminal four, where hundreds of enthusiastic fans, many donning Spain’s national colors and waving the red-and-yellow rojigualda flag, eagerly awaited a glimpse of the newly crowned champions.
The players’ first official engagement will be at the Zarzuela palace, located northwest of Madrid. There, they will be greeted by King Felipe and Queen Letizia around 4:30 PM. Following this, they are expected to visit the Moncloa palace, the residence and office of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, for a meet-and-greet scheduled for approximately 6 PM.
After these receptions, the victory parade will commence in earnest, with the team traveling by bus from Moncloa into the city. The celebrations will center around Plaza de Cibeles, just outside Madrid’s city hall, and are expected to feature music and attract massive crowds.
In an interview with Radio Nacional de España, Madrid’s mayor, José Luis Martínez Almeida, expressed that the city is making significant efforts to ensure the team receives the grand homecoming they deserve. He praised the peaceful and joyous atmosphere that had enveloped the city following Spain’s victory.
“Even though there were thousands and thousands of people on the streets last night, there were practically no incidents in the city,” he stated.
“We’re getting everything ready for tonight and the musical events should start at Cibeles from about 6pm, with the parade scheduled to start at 7pm – but all this is depends on various factors … The thing we’re focusing on is how to celebrate and greet a team that will live for ever in our memory.”
This victory marks Spain’s second men’s World Cup title, following their triumph against the Netherlands in South Africa in 2010. Hundreds of thousands of Spaniards followed the match in bars, parks, fairgrounds, bullrings, and on massive screens throughout central Madrid. The Spanish media has described the win as “a unique collective experience” highlighting a young team that embodies the best qualities of a modern, diverse, and determined nation.
The political landscape has also reacted enthusiastically to the victory.
“What an amazing national squad. Thank you, team.” Sánchez declared in a post on social media. “Well-deserved WORLD CHAMPIONS! Values, hard work, humility, and faith. You have made history. There are no limits for this team … Long live Spain!!!”
Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the conservative People’s party, echoed this enthusiasm with a passionate message, declaring, “the flag of Spain so far and so high” on X.
Santiago Abascal, head of the far-right Vox party, also congratulated the team for carrying “one of the greatest achievements in the history of Spanish sport”
In celebration of this remarkable achievement, the Spanish postal service, Correos, has announced the issuance of a special stamp. It will commemorate what they describe as “one of the greatest achievements in the history of Spanish sport,” featuring the word CAMPEONES and adorned with two stars, representing each of Spain’s World Cup victories.
