A million people expected to welcome home Spain's World Cup champions

An estimated one million people are expected to line the streets of central Madrid on Monday afternoon to welcome home Spain's World Cup-winning football team. The squad is set to parade through the capital, celebrating their victory after defeating Argentina in the final.

The Spanish team added the world crown to their European title, which they won in 2024, by beating a 10-man Argentina 1-0 in extra time. The players are scheduled to land at Madrid airport in the early afternoon and will then travel from near the Moncloa Palace to Cibeles Square, a traditional gathering point for national team celebrations.

Authorities have implemented significant security and transport measures to manage the expected crowds. Approximately 2,050 police officers and 400 Civil Guard personnel will be deployed along the parade route. Madrid was already buzzing with festivities after the final, with thousands of supporters celebrating in bars and fan zones.

This homecoming celebration echoes the reception Spain received after their last World Cup victory in 2010, when hundreds of thousands of fans welcomed the team back to Madrid following their triumph in South Africa.