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

Spain celebrated its second men's World Cup title on Monday as nearly 2 million people flooded the streets of Madrid. The national squad returned home following their 1-0 victory against Argentina in New Jersey to a massive reception that spanned the capital.

The team followed a busy schedule upon arrival. After meetings with the Spanish royals and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, the players boarded an open-top bus for a parade through the city. The route finished at Cibeles Square, where roughly 120,000 fans gathered for an official ceremony that included live musical performances and individual introductions for each team member.

Fans began securing spots along the parade route early in the morning despite temperatures hitting 35 Celsius. The atmosphere in Madrid has remained high since Sunday night when the final whistle blew. Supporters filled city plazas and local businesses throughout the night to mark the win, which represents the country's first men's World Cup title since 2010.

This victory holds historical significance for Spanish athletics. By holding both the men's and women's World Cup titles simultaneously, Spain is now the first nation to achieve this feat. The celebration occurred against a backdrop of national economic improvement, as the country currently maintains one of the fastest growth rates within the Eurozone.

While the capital remained focused on the festivities, authorities reported one tragedy during the celebrations. A 13-year-old in Salamanca died after a fountain structure collapsed while being climbed by a group of supporters. Despite this, the national spirit remains fixed on the team's achievement as the players brought the trophy home to their fans.