Spain's national football team returned home to Madrid on Monday after beating Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final, with more than a million people expected to join the victory celebrations.
Key facts
- Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final in New Jersey on Sunday
- The squad arrived home at Madrid's Barajas airport at 2.30pm local time on Monday
- More than a million people are expected at the celebrations in central Madrid
- Victory festivities are set to centre on the Plaza de Cibeles
- King Felipe VI gave the winning team a royal reception
Spain’s national football team returned home to a hero’s welcome on Monday, a day after winning the World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final held in New Jersey, in the United States.
According to the Guardian, the squad, known as La Roja, touched down at Madrid’s Barajas airport at 2.30pm local time on Monday, receiving the first of many celebratory welcomes.
More than a million Spaniards are expected to descend on central Madrid on Monday night to welcome the triumphant team home, the Guardian reported, with many still recovering from the previous night’s historic win. The victory festivities are set to centre around the Plaza de Cibeles.
Al Jazeera reported that the team was also given a royal reception by King Felipe VI in Madrid ahead of the victory parade.
The team was expected to parade the trophy through the Spanish capital on Monday, according to Al Jazeera, capping a celebration of the country’s World Cup triumph.
Why it matters
A World Cup victory is one of the most significant achievements in international sport, and the scale of the Madrid celebration reflects its importance to Spain. The turnout of more than a million people underlines how such moments can unite an entire country.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score in the World Cup final?
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the final, which was held in New Jersey in the United States on Sunday.
Where are Spain's celebrations taking place?
The victory festivities are set to centre around the Plaza de Cibeles in central Madrid, where more than a million people are expected.
When did the team arrive back in Spain?
The squad arrived home at Madrid's Barajas airport at 2.30pm local time on Monday, according to the Guardian.