LIVE - 2026 World Cup: Spanish heroes back in Madrid, the parade has begun, a close friend of Infantino teases a 64-team World Cup in 2030

The Spanish national team began its victory parade through the streets of Madrid on Monday evening, marking their triumph after winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Argentina. The squad, celebrated as heroes, traveled in an imperial-style bus, drawing massive crowds along the city's main thoroughfares. Fans lined the streets, eager to witness the players who had just secured Spain’s second World Cup title, with the celebration set to culminate at Plaza de Cibeles, where a concert was scheduled. Some players were shirtless, while others held drinks, all smiling as they made their way through the capital under the scorching sun. Spain reclaimed the number one spot in the FIFA world rankings, surpassing Argentina, which had previously occupied the position. This achievement came after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final, continuing their dominance in international football. The French remain third, followed by England, while Brazil climbed into the top five. The result solidified Spain’s status as the leading nation in global football, according to the latest FIFA standings. Following the final, the FIFA announced it would investigate the behavior of Argentine players after the referee’s final whistle. A brief altercation occurred shortly after Spain’s victory, prompting concerns over conduct during the match. According to Sky Sports, the investigation will examine whether the actions of Argentina’s players violated disciplinary guidelines. The incident added another layer of controversy to an already dramatic final, which saw Spain secure their second World Cup title in history. Fabián Ruiz, the midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain, played a pivotal role in Spain’s success. He started in the final and scored the decisive goal that led to Spain’s victory over Argentina. His performance has cemented his legacy as a key figure in Spanish football, having contributed to both the Euro 2024 and World Cup victories. Ruiz, known for his consistency and leadership, continues to be regarded as a symbol of success for the Spanish national team. King Felipe VI extended his congratulations to the Spanish players, acknowledging their achievements as representing the entire country. Speaking at the Royal Palace of Zarzuela, he emphasized how the team’s victory belonged to all Spaniards. “When our national team plays, we all play. When you won, you did so for all of Spain,” he said. The monarchy’s support underscored the deep connection between sports and national identity in Spain. A tradition once upheld by former captain Sergio Ramos, now carried forward by Marc Cucurella, was observed before the final. In a post-match message on social media, Ramos revealed a ritual he had performed ahead of the 2010 World Cup final, burying a coin in the pitch. Cucurella repeated the act before the 2026 final, honoring the legacy of past champions. The gesture highlighted the cultural significance of football within Spain, linking current successes to historical milestones. The 2026 World Cup concluded with Spain’s historic win, featuring standout performances from players such as Rodri, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappé. The tournament showcased some of the best talents in world football, with Spain’s victory being a culmination of years of strategic planning and talent development. As the celebrations continue in Madrid, the focus shifts toward future tournaments, including discussions around expanding the World Cup to 64 teams in 2030—a proposal hinted at by a close associate of FIFA President Gianni Infantino.