Thousands of Spain Fans Celebrate Historic Football World Cup Final Win Over Argentina

The whole of Spain erupted in crazy celebrations overnight as thousands came out on the streets of the capital city, Madrid, setting off fireworks and red flares on the streets after Spain secured their second World Cup title with a 1-0 victory over Argentina.

The streets of Madrid turned into a sea of red and gold flats as the fans from all over the world revelled in the victory that saw Ferran Torres finding the back of the nets in the extra-time in New Jersey, marking a historic moment for Spanish Football.

Amidst the loud cheer and chants of ‘A Viva Espana’ reverberating the streets of Madrid, Mario, a fan who had come to the city from Barcelona, couldn’t control his excitement, while speaking to Reuters, and said, “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 will wait for the players here to celebrate with them.”

After a tense match that saw both the teams go goalless, something extraordinary had to happen in the extra time, and the fans exploded in joy across all cities and towns in Spain as the final blew in New York. Another Spanish who had come to Madrid from Malaga to watch the game, overcome by his side’s victory, said “I am so happy. It’s so beautiful.”

In Barcelona, where many of the Spanish teams play in the La Liga, set fireworks off and partied hard and all night long on the beaches. The fans continued to wave the Spanish national flag high and with utmost pride on the streets where Spain’s newest football sensation, Lamine Yamal grew up.

The 19-year-old forward learned to play football on the streets of Rocafonda, a multi-ethnic area of Mataro, a coastal city located about 30 km north of Barcelona. In his short career so far with the Spanish national team, Yamal has honoured Rocafonda with his trademark 304 hand gesture after scoring a goal; a reference to the neighbourhoods postal code.

During the World Cup, Yamal was seen sporting a headband with ‘Rocafonda’ written on it and wearing the flags of his parents’ countries of origin on his boots, and said football was an example of racial and social integration.

After Spain’s victory, the country’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez posted on X “We are World Champion!! Our national team was great! Thanks team!”