Key Takeaways
- Spanish football heroes set to land in Madrid on Monday.
- One million supporters expected to line the parade route.
- Players will be received by King Felipe VI and enjoy an open-top bus parade.
Madrid is gearing up for a triumphant homecoming of Spain's World Cup-winning team as they return from New Jersey on Monday. The players, led by coach Luis de la Fuente, are due to land with the golden trophy in tow after their 1-0 victory over Argentina secured their second star.
The celebration is expected to be a grand affair, with around one million supporters lining the parade route starting at Moncloa and heading to Cibeles square. The event will feature an open-top bus parade and a ceremony involving the players, organized by Francisco Martin of the Spanish public television.
Among the jubilant crowd are many younger fans who were not yet born when Spain last won the World Cup in 2010. The victory against Argentina was secured by Ferran Torres's strike in extra-time, marking a dominant performance that left Argentine players 'helpless', according to Spanish daily Marca.
The celebration will begin early in the morning as cleaning crews work to prepare the route for tonight’s party. Madrid mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida shared his thoughts on the event, stating, “I didn’t sleep much, because… (of) the celebration and then the tension of the match – I think it was a little more difficult for all of us to fall asleep.”
The players will be received by King Felipe VI at Zarzuela Palace, located in the outskirts of Madrid. It remains unclear whether Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will meet them at La Moncloa due to his swift visit to Algeria.
Security measures are being put in place with a total of 2,050 police officers and 400 Civil Guard personnel deployed to handle the expected crowds. The mayor emphasized the need for additional security and transport arrangements to manage the large number of supporters.
The celebration will not only honor Spain's men’s team but also their women’s side, who won the World Cup in 2023. This marks a historic moment as it is the first time a country has both trophies at the same time. The victory sets the stage for Spain to defend its crown on home soil in 2030.
For many supporters like Bruno Gonzalez del Yerro, a 32-year-old financier, the celebration is a must. “We’ll have to celebrate it one way or another, given that it only happens every four years and that Spain hadn’t won it for about (sixteen) years now – it definitely deserves a party,” he said.
I didn’t sleep much, because… (of) the celebration and then the tension of the match – I think it was a little more difficult for all of us to fall asleep.
Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida, Madrid mayor
We’ll have to celebrate it one way or another, given that it only happens every four years and that Spain hadn’t won it for about (sixteen) years now – it definitely deserves a party.
Bruno Gonzalez del Yerro, 32-year-old financier
