World Cup final debuts historic halftime show

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.

FIFA announced this Monday the opening of a disciplinary investigation into the incidents that occurred after the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The match, which ended 1-0 in favor of Spain in extra time, led to an altercation between several players after the final whistle.

What happened on the field?

Replays showed Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes pushing Spain’s Eric Garcia by the neck. When Spanish substitute Gavi intervened, Paredes brought him down. Spanish captain Rodri was also hit in the stomach by Argentine defender Nahuel Molina, who then verbally clashed with his former Manchester City teammate Nicolás Otamendi. Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni and other players intervened to calm the situation.

FIFA did not give a timeline for the investigation, but indicated that the disciplinary committee appointed a prosecutor to evaluate possible violations of the disciplinary code. Paredes did not receive a red card during the match, although he could face a suspension.

Political reactions

Argentine President Javier Milei referred to the defeat in an interview with Radio Miter:

“It cannot overshadow or tarnish the achievement of reaching a world final. The players have given an enormous example of what it means to leave everything for a goal. They never gave in. They never gave up.”

Milei highlighted that Argentina reached its third World Cup final in four editions and expressed pride in the team.

The players and coaching staff arrived in Buenos Aires on Monday, welcomed by hundreds of fans, without making any statements before heading to the Argentine Football Federation complex.

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.