FIFA opens investigation into altercation at World Cup final

Celebration in Madrid

The Spanish team, world champions after beating Argentina 1-0 in the final in New Jersey, returned to Madrid on Monday. A crowd estimated at almost two million people packed the streets to welcome them.

The squad of 26 players and the coaching staff met first with the Royal Family and then with the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez.

“Give huge thanks to the coaches and players for the style of play, the effort and the victory,” declared Sánchez. “We really enjoyed watching them play.”

Afterwards, the team boarded an open-top bus for a noisy parade through the center of Madrid. The bus carried the motto “The stars shine together” and photos of the footballers. The players, wearing the World Cup trophy and T-shirts reading “We Are Champions,” danced and interacted with the fans.

Before the parade, coach Luis de la Fuente expressed:

“We have experienced it from the emotion and pride of representing a wonderful country with dedicated fans. We are full of joy.”

The tour started from the vicinity of the Moncloa Palace to the Plaza de Cibeles, where the authorities reported about 120,000 people for the ceremony. The players were introduced one by one with songs chosen by them. Álex Baena, on his 25th birthday, entered with the trophy.

Striker Borja Iglesias acted as DJ, and his teammates danced on stage. The singers Aitana, Ana Mena and Lola Índigo entertained the event. The ceremony culminated with the entire team raising the trophy again in front of the home crowd.

The celebrations were marred by the news that a 13-year-old minor lost his life in Salamanca after a fountain he had climbed with friends collapsed.

For many young fans, it is the first time they have seen the men’s team lift the trophy. Spain today is very different from the country of 2010, besieged by a debt crisis and unemployment of 20%. Now, the economy is growing, unemployment has been cut in half and separatist tensions have cooled.

The team received congratulations from the leaders of the United States, Mexico and Canada, the co-organizers of the tournament.

The reward for the title

After beating Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 World Cup final, the Spanish National Team not only celebrated the title. Each of the 26 footballers will receive a gross bonus of 750 thousand euros. The previous agreement between the RFEF and the captains established this incentive. FIFA gave 44 million euros to the Spanish federation for the championship.

Players accumulated income as they progressed through the tournament: from the group stage to the final. The main prize is added to these amounts.

How much does net money reach your pockets?

The announced figure is not the one that footballers will see in their account. Premiums are considered income from work and are subject to personal income tax. For those who have tax residence in Spain, the withholding is close to 47%. This means that of the 750 thousand gross euros, the net income is around 397 thousand 500 euros. The rest goes to paying taxes.

Several of the champions play in LaLiga, such as Unai Simón, Pedri, Gavi, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres – author of the winning goal -, so they will be taxed under Spanish legislation.

France is left without a medal and without a coach

France was on the verge of a new World Cup final. In the duel for third place, the French lost 4-6 to England at the Miami stadium. The defeat meant goodbye to Didier Deschamps, who coached Les Bleus for 14 years.

The farewell of a historic man

Deschamps had already announced that this tournament would be his last. After the elimination, the French Football Federation (FFF) dedicated a message to him on social networks.

“The FFF thanks the national coach Didier Deschamps for the exceptional work carried out at the head of the France Team. There are trajectories that permanently mark the history of an institution and a country. Forever in the history of French football.”

The statement highlighted his legacy: “Under his authority, for fourteen years, Team France has regained credibility, respect and love by remaining at the highest global level, winning the 2018 World Cup, the 2021 Nations League and reaching several important finals, all while retaining extraordinary consistency.”

The FFF also highlighted that “his mark will remain indelible in Clairefontaine and in the hearts of millions of fans.” They thanked him for the 185 games played and the 120 victories under his management.

An era that leaves its mark

“Didier Deschamps has been able to transmit a culture of performance and responsibility that will remain a reference for future generations. He has accompanied the emergence of numerous internationals, has federated several groups around solid values and has contributed to strengthening the unique bond between the French and their national team,” concluded the FFF.

With the departure of Deschamps, France closes a golden cycle. Now he will look for a new helmsman to face the next World Cup process.