The Spanish national soccer team arrived back home to a hero’s welcome after clinching the World Cup. The 26-man squad was first greeted by the country’s royal family. Later, they met with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

Following these official meetings, the team will embark on a celebratory parade through the streets of Madrid. With anticipation running high, crowds are expected to gather in the hundreds of thousands.

The parade route leads from Moncloa Palace, the prime minister’s official residence, to Cibeles Square. There, a ceremony will celebrate the team. Cibeles Square holds historic significance as a traditional location for celebrating Spanish soccer victories.

In East Rutherford, New Jersey, Spain achieved a 1-0 victory over Argentina to secure the World Cup. This marks only the second time Spain has won this title, following a previous win in 2010 in South Africa.

In light of this achievement, leaders from the co-hosting nations of the tournament offered their congratulations. US President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney extended their well-wishes to the team.

Festivities erupted across Madrid after the match. Thousands of fans flooded into the streets, many waving Spanish flags and donning the team’s colors. The capital’s popular spots like Puerta de Sol saw crowds celebrating with singing, dancing, and the setting off of flares. Car horns echoed loud into the night.

19-year-old fan Victor Álvarez was among those celebrating past midnight, sharing, “I’m very happy. I’ve slept three or four hours, but for the team, I’ll do whatever it takes.”

For the first time in history, Spain holds both the Men’s and Women’s World Cup titles. The women won the championship earlier in 2023.

However, not all news was positive. A 13-year-old from Salamanca, northwest of Madrid, tragically died after a fountain he climbed on collapsed during the victory celebrations.

For many young Spaniards, this world triumph is a first-time experience. The country’s current economic health is starkly different from 2010, reflecting growth amidst reduced unemployment.

Fan groups were seen early at Cibeles Square, securing optimal spots to see the incoming parade. With temperatures reaching 35 Celsius (95 Fahrenheit), many carried umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun.