Lorraine Williamson
Spain’s World Cup-winning squad is travelling through central Madrid on an open-top bus as thousands of supporters line the streets to welcome the country’s new champions home.
The parade began after the players completed official receptions with the Royal Family and the Spanish Government, and is heading towards a packed celebration beside the Palacio de Cibeles.
Supporters carrying Spanish flags and wearing national-team shirts have been gathering in central Madrid throughout the afternoon, with music and entertainment under way at Cibeles since 6.00 pm. The players are expected to reach the main stage at around 9.00 pm, although the timing will depend on the speed of the bus and the number of people lining the route.
Open-top bus parade underway
The public parade began from the Moncloa area after Spain’s squad left its reception with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The team is travelling through some of Madrid’s best-known streets, showing the World Cup trophy to supporters gathered behind barriers and along pavements.
The route takes the players along Calle Princesa, Alberto Aguilera, Carranza, Sagasta and Génova before passing Plaza de Colón. The bus then continues through Goya and Serrano towards Plaza de la Independencia and the Puerta de Alcalá.
From there, the champions will travel along Alfonso XII before reaching Calle Montalbán and the main celebration beside Cibeles. Police may continue to alter access to individual streets as the parade moves through the capital and crowds increase.
Thousands wait for the team at Cibeles
Large crowds are already gathered around Cibeles, where the main stage has hosted live music, entertainment and footage from Spain’s World Cup campaign. The players and coaching staff are expected to appear on stage with the trophy after completing the bus journey.
The event is scheduled to continue until late on Monday evening, with the squad expected to be presented individually before addressing supporters. Musical performances and other celebrations will continue around the team’s arrival.
Authorities initially planned for more than 60,000 people in the immediate Cibeles area, although far greater numbers are expected to watch from across the parade route and surrounding streets. Reports on Monday evening suggested the wider turnout could reach hundreds of thousands, with some estimates placing it considerably higher.
Royal Family welcomes Spain’s champions
Before beginning the parade, Spain’s players visited the Palace of La Zarzuela, where they were received by King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía.
The squad posed with the World Cup trophy and the Royal Family, with King Felipe congratulating the players on winning Spain’s second men’s world title. The visit continued the tradition of major Spanish sporting teams attending a royal reception after an international triumph.
The players then travelled to the Moncloa Palace, where they were welcomed by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Following that reception, they boarded the open-top bus and began the public stage of the homecoming celebrations.
Major disruption continues across central Madrid
Extensive traffic restrictions remain in force around Cibeles, Paseo del Prado, Recoletos, Calle Alcalá, Gran Vía and streets along the parade route. Additional roads may close temporarily as the team bus approaches and supporters move between viewing areas.
Drivers should continue to avoid central Madrid throughout the evening. Even after the stage event ends, heavy congestion is expected as large numbers of people leave Cibeles at the same time.
Banco de España Metro station is expected to remain closed for safety reasons, with trains passing through without stopping. Nearby alternatives include Sevilla, Retiro, Serrano, Gran Vía, Sol and Estación del Arte, although access may be restricted at short notice if platforms or station entrances become too crowded.
Dozens of EMT bus routes have also been diverted or shortened, while several BiciMAD stations and taxi ranks around the celebration zone are unavailable. Metro services on Lines 1, 2, 3 and 4 have been strengthened to help manage demand.
How to watch the celebration live
The parade and Cibeles celebration are being shown live by RTVE, with coverage available through its television channels, RTVE Play and online news services. Spanish sports and news outlets are also carrying live footage and updates from the parade route.
Viewers outside Spain can follow the national team’s official social channels, which are sharing photographs and video from the airport arrival, official receptions and open-top bus journey.
Supporters advised to remain cautious
People joining the celebration should carry water and be prepared to stand for long periods in warm evening conditions. Crowding around Cibeles and the narrowest parts of the route may make it difficult to move quickly or leave through the nearest street.
Families and groups should agree on a meeting point in case they become separated, as mobile-phone networks may become congested. Children should remain closely supervised, while anyone who feels unwell should move away from the densest areas and seek assistance from police or emergency staff.
Supporters should not climb street furniture, traffic lights, trees or temporary barriers to improve their view. Emergency corridors must remain clear, and instructions from police and stewards should be followed immediately.
Spain return with their second World Cup
The celebrations follow Spain’s 1–0 extra-time victory over Argentina in Sunday night’s final at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, securing the country’s second men’s World Cup title and its first since 2010.
Spain completed the tournament unbeaten under Luis de la Fuente, adding the World Cup to the Nations League title won in 2023 and the European Championship secured in 2024. The team now joins France and Uruguay with two men’s world titles.
The homecoming has revived memories of Spain’s celebrations in 2010, when vast crowds welcomed the country’s first world champions back to Madrid. Sixteen years later, a new generation is now carrying the trophy through the capital and preparing to present Spain’s second star to the crowd at Cibeles.