Spain erupts in celebration after historic World Cup final victory over Argentina

Spain erupted into jubilant celebrations overnight as thousands poured into the streets of Madrid, setting off fireworks and red flares, after La Roja secured their second World Cup title with a 1-0 victory over Argentina.

The capital’s thoroughfares became a sea of red and gold flags as fans from across the globe revelled in the triumph, which saw Ferran Torres net the decisive extra-time goal in New Jersey, marking a historic moment for Spanish football.

Amidst chants of “A Viva Espana” and the glow of flares, Mario, who travelled from Barcelona, shared his excitement. “I drove here from Barcelona in order to see the game with the fans here in Madrid because I am from Barcelona.

And tomorrow we’ll wait for the players here to celebrate with them,” he told Reuters. Islem, who flew from Tunisia specifically for the event, added: “I know it was worth it and I knew they would win, Viva Espana.”

Alvaro, who had come from Malaga to Madrid to watch the game on a giant screen, was overcome by Spain’s victory.

“I’m so happy. It’s so beautiful!,” he said early on Monday morning.

After a tense match that ​went to extra time, fans exploded in joy in cities and towns across Spain as the final whistle blew in New ​York.

In Barcelona, where many of the Spain team play for the La Liga champions, revellers set fireworks off and partied on the beaches ‌at ⁠the start of what promised to be a long night of celebrations.

Spain fans waved flags and cheered in the streets of the neighbourhood where Spain’s teenage forward Lamine Yamal grew up. waved flags and cheered in the streets of the neighbourhood where Spain’s teenage forward Lamine Yamal grew up.

The 19-year-old Lamine learned to play football on the streets of Rocafonda, a working-class, multi-ethnic area of Mataro, a coastal city about 30 km (19 miles) north of Barcelona.

One of their own

The residents of Rocafonda, who include his grandmother and a cousin, still regard Lamine, who plays for Spain and Barcelona, as one of their own.

On the community pitch, where Lamine honed his skills as a boy, there is a mural featuring the player who is a symbol of the possible. Lamine, who was born in Spain to a ​Moroccan father and mother from Equatorial Guinea, has never forgotten his roots.

Throughout his career, he has honoured Rocafonda with his trademark “304” hand gesture after scoring goals – a reference to the neighbourhood’s postal code. During the World Cup, he has sported a ⁠headband with “Rocafonda” on it, worn the flags of his parents’ countries of origin on his boots, and said football was an example of racial ‌and social integration.

Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish prime minister, posted on X: “We are World Champions!! Our national team was great! Thanks team!”

U.S. President Donald Trump and Sanchez, who have had a frosty relationship, exchanged a brief handshake before the match, Spanish newspaper El Pais reported.