Spain's national football team returned home on Monday following its 2026 FIFA World Cup triumph, less than 14 hours after defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final in the United States.
The Iberia Airlines charter flight carrying the newly crowned world champions landed at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport at 2:30 p.m. local time.
As the aircraft taxied to the terminal beneath clear skies, Spain's national flag was visible from the cockpit. Head coach Luis de la Fuente was the first to disembark, followed by Rodri, who was named the tournament's best player and raised the World Cup trophy from the aircraft stairs to the delight of waiting supporters.
Madrid quickly turned into the center of nationwide celebrations as fans gathered to welcome the champions.
According to the official schedule, the team was set to travel first to Zarzuela Palace, where King Felipe VI would host a special reception in honor of the squad.
The players and coaching staff were then scheduled to visit Moncloa Palace, where Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez would formally congratulate the World Cup winners.
The celebrations are expected to conclude with an open-top bus parade through central Madrid, ending at the iconic Plaza de Cibeles, where thousands of supporters are expected to celebrate Spain's historic World Cup victory.
