Spain's World Cup champions return home for parade in front of almost 2 million

Sports Spain's World Cup champions return home for parade in front of almost 2 million July 21, 20263:09 AM ET By  The Associated Press Players from Spain's national soccer team celebrate at Cibeles Square in Madrid on Monday, July 20, 2026, after Spain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York. Bernat Armangue/AP hide caption toggle caption Bernat Armangue/AP MADRID — Spain's World Cup-winning soccer team returned home on Monday and an estimated crowd of almost 2 million was on hand to greet the squad through the streets of Madrid. The 26 players and their coaching staff met with the country's royals, and then with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, after arriving in the Spanish capital a day after beating Argentina 1-0 in the final in New Jersey. "Thank you to the coaches and players for the style of play, the effort and the victory," Sánchez said. "We have truly enjoyed watching you play." The squad then boarded an open-top bus for a raucous parade through central Madrid. "Stars shine together" was written on the bus, which also carried photos of the footballers. Spain's Lamine Yamal reacts during celebrations with his national team teammates at Cibeles Square in Madrid on Monday, July 20, 2026, after Spain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York. Manu Fernandez/AP hide caption toggle caption Manu Fernandez/AP Players — carrying the World Cup trophy and wearing shirts with the words Somos Campeones (We Are Champions) — danced and interacted with the fans along the route. Sponsor Message "It's been an emotional and proud experience to represent a wonderful country with such passionate and devoted fans," Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said before the parade started. "We are filled with joy." Players from Spain's national soccer team celebrate atop a bus as it travels through crowded streets in Madrid, Monday, July 20, 2026, after Spain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final in East...