Spain’s World Cup champions return home for royal welcome and parade in front of almost 2 million

The World Cup title, combined with the Women’s World Cup won in 2023, makes Spain the first country to hold the men’s and women’s titles simultaneously.

Spain’s World Cup-winning soccer team returned home on Monday and an estimated crowd of almost 2 million was on hand to greet the squad through the streets of Madrid.

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The 26 players and their coaching staff met with the country’s royals, and then with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, after arriving in the Spanish capital a day after beating Argentina 1-0 in the final in New Jersey.

“Thank you to the coaches and players for the style of play, the effort and the victory,” Sánchez said. “We have truly enjoyed watching you play.”