The players and their coaching staff met with the country's royals, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. An estimated crowd of almost 2 million was on hand to greet the squad through the streets of Madrid.

For many fans, the World Cup victory cemented a belief that something promising — a cultural, economic and sports revival — is happening in the country.

There will be many articles following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup that focus on Spain’s defense, and for good reason.

It's no coincidence that Spain are the first nation to hold both the men's and women's World Cups simultaneously. It's been a generation in the making.

Spain defeated Lionel Messi’s Argentina in extra time to win the 2026 World Cup. Substitute Ferran Torres struck in the second half of extra time to secure Spain’s second World Cup after a disappointing Argentina were reduced to 10 men.

It's why La Roja came out victorious with a 1-0 result against Lionel Messi’s Argentina thanks to a 106th-minute winner from Barcelona’s Ferran Torres.  Spain stifled any hopes for Argentina and its chances of a title defense and claiming its second World Cup trophy since 2010.

It's time for Spain to celebrate. Spain claimed its second World Cup title on Sunday, July 19, defeating Lionel Messi and Argentina 1-0 after extra time at MetLife Stadium in East

By Victoria Waldersee and Miguel Vidal VINCIOS, Spain, July 23 (Reuters) - A goat-like cow is making a comeback in Spain's northwestern Galicia region, as communities reintroduce native livestock to rebalance ecosystems and reduce wildfires in an area that was at the epicentre of the country's worst year for fires in 2025.