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Spain's World Cup heroes return for royal welcome
DPA •  July 21st, 2026 7:42 am
Spain | Photo: DPA
Spain's World Cup-winning soccer team have been welcomed home by King Felipe VI after returning from their triumph over Argentina in the United States.
Monach King Felipe hailed the squad's "epic" victory and described them as a "legendary and historic team."
"You are tired - but what a wonderful kind of tiredness. Congratulations," Felipe told the players during a reception at Madrid's Royal Palace.
The king praised the team's triumph as the culmination of a true "odyssey" and urged the team to savour the celebrations.
Spain captain Rodri and team boss Luis de la Fuente display the World Cup on their return | Photo: EPA
"There is still much to celebrate. Enjoy every kiss, every gesture of recognition, for you have earned them," he said.
Felipe also thanked the squad on behalf of all Spaniards and noted that Spain now holds both the men's and women's World Cup titles.
Felipe had travelled to the World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with Queen Letizia and their daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta SofÃa. During the trophy presentation, the king embraced several players and posed with the World Cup trophy.
Spain's football philosophy transformation
In a post on X, the Spanish royal household congratulated the national team, calling the victory "a triumph that will forever be part of the history of Spanish sport."
Following the palace reception, captain Rodri and his teammates were due to pay a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez before embarking on an open-top bus parade through central Madrid.
Up to one million fans were expected to gather at the city's Cibeles Square later on Tuesday (NZ time) for a public celebration of Spain's World Cup victory.
