Spain celebrates World Cup win with millions of fans

MADRID – Spain's national football team celebrated its second FIFA World Cup title with a victory parade through the streets of Madrid on Monday, drawing an estimated two million jubilant fans.

The players rode aboard an open-top bus bearing the words "Kings of the World" and two large stars, symbolizing the country's two World Cup triumphs. Crowds dressed in Spain jerseys and waving red-and-gold flags packed the streets to celebrate Sunday's 1-0 victory over Argentina in the World Cup final in New Jersey.

Fans from across Spain and abroad traveled to the capital to join the celebrations.

"We're full of enthusiasm after fulfilling the dream of becoming world champions," said Fran Carratala, 34, who traveled from Spain's northeastern region of Catalonia to watch the parade.

Daniel Gaona, a Spaniard living in Estonia, returned home to watch the World Cup final in Madrid and take part in the celebrations.

"Everybody was crazy. The atmosphere was incredible. People were very happy. There were no problems, just a lot of happiness," he said before the parade. "It's something you have to experience here."

The players, many wearing shirts that read "We Are Champions," waved continuously to supporters lining the route and tossed footballs into the crowd. A few celebrated shirtless, while forward Borja Iglesias entertained fans by performing as a DJ from the top of the bus. The vehicle also displayed the slogan "Stars Shine Together."

Before the parade, the squad met with King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, both of whom attended the World Cup final.

"I would like to express my immense gratitude to the staff and the players for your style of play, your effort, and your victory," Sanchez told the team.

The prime minister also said he hopes Spain can capture a third men's World Cup title in 2030, when Spain will co-host the tournament with Portugal and Morocco. -Reporting by Natasa Bansagi and Pablo Menendez; additional reporting by Emma Pinedo, Writing by Joan Faus, editing by Pritha Sarkar/Reuters