Spanish King Welcomes FIFA World Cup Winners as Celebrations Get Underway

Spain’s World Cup winning team received a warm welcome from King Felipe VI in Madrid after returning from the United States with the coveted trophy.

The king and other members of the royal family met the Spanish delegation at Zarzuela Palace. Captain Rodri and head coach Luis de la Fuente led the team during the meeting.

"You have shown your grit, your resilience and your courage, always backed by your technical skill, your control and command of the game, combining head and heart," said the Spanish King while welcoming the victorious Spanish team.

King Felipe VI was joined by Queen Letizia, who wore a red dress matching the colour of Spain’s team shirts. Their daughters, Princess Leonor and Princess Sofia, were also present during the meeting.

The king greeted every player and shook hands with them. He also hugged Barcelona’s teenage star Lamine Yamal, who is considered the brightest talent in the country currently.

The Spanish team will next meet Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez before taking part in an open-top bus parade through central Madrid. Huge crowds wearing Spain’s national colours had already gathered in the city to welcome the team.

Captain Rodri proudly lifted the World Cup trophy as he walked down the stairs of the Iberia plane that brought the squad home after they secured Spain’s second World Cup title.

Spain secured their second World Cup title on Sunday after Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in extra time against Argentina. This astounding victory led to huge celebrations across the country, where football is hugely popular.

Spain’s women’s team also won the World Cup in 2023, which means the country has now become the first nation to hold both the men’s and women’s World Cup trophies at the same time.

Spain will now defend its men’s title on home soil in 2030. Alongside them, Portugal and Morocco are also designated as the co-hosts for the next FIFA World Cup.