Thousands of jubilant football fans poured into the streets of Madrid on Sunday night after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, sparking scenes of celebration across the Spanish capital.
Moments after the final whistle at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, supporters waving Spain’s red-and-yellow flags flooded iconic locations including Plaza de Cibeles, Puerta del Sol, and Gran Vía, where chants, fireworks and car horns echoed long into the night.
The victory secured Spain’s second World Cup title, ending a 16-year wait since their historic triumph in South Africa in 2010 and bringing an end to Argentina’s reign as world champions.
Fans embraced in the streets as giant screens broadcast the closing moments of the tense final, with many singing the national anthem and chanting “¡España, España!” as flares lit up the night sky.
“It feels unbelievable,” one supporter told local media. “We’ve waited so long for this moment. This team has made the whole country proud.”
Across the capital, bars, restaurants and public squares that had been packed with supporters throughout the match erupted into celebration after Spain found the decisive goal in extra time. Families, young fans and tourists joined the festivities, while vehicles draped in Spanish flags formed celebratory convoys through the city’s main avenues.
Spanish political leaders also congratulated the national team. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez praised the players for delivering “a historic achievement” and thanked them for uniting the nation with their performances throughout the tournament.
The Spanish Football Federation hailed the triumph as the beginning of a new golden era for La Roja, whose youthful squad impressed with its disciplined defending, fluid passing football and composure under pressure throughout the competition.
Spain’s road to the title included victories over Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France before edging defending champions Argentina in a closely contested final.
For many supporters gathered in Madrid, the triumph represented more than another football trophy. It marked the return of Spain to the pinnacle of world football and the emergence of a new generation capable of writing its own chapter in the nation’s sporting history.
Celebrations were expected to continue into the early hours of Monday, with thousands of fans awaiting the team’s return home for an official victory parade after Spain’s memorable World Cup triumph.
