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After making history in North America, the stars of the World Cup were welcomed home by jubilant fans everywhere from Asuncion to Zurich.
Following their 1-0 victory over Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ final, Spain were treated to a heroes’ homecoming on Monday as an estimated 1,000,000 fans filled the streets of Madrid to celebrate with Luis de la Fuente and his players.
The champions weren’t the only team returning to such jubilant scenes though, and a host of other nations also provoked passionate displays of emotion back home after creating history in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
Cabo Verde
The Blue Sharks enjoyed one of the great World Cup debuts in North America, refusing to stand on ceremony from their very first game when they held eventual champions Spain to a scoreless draw in Atlanta. Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha shone in that encounter, and while he was beaten twice in Cabo Verde’s next game against Uruguay they still claimed another point thanks to goals from Kevin Pina and Helio Varela before securing their place in the knockout stage after a tense 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia.
Switzerland
Switzerland’s tournament started with a point after a disappointing late concession against Qatar, but with Johan Manzambi starring they then claimed consecutive wins against Bosnia and Herzegovina and co-hosts Canada to secure safe passage to the Round of 32, where they triumphed 2-0 over Algeria thanks to goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye.
South Africa
On their return to the World Cup for the first time since hosting in 2010, South Africa were another side to create history as they made a maiden appearance in the knockout stage. Bafana Bafana’s campaign didn’t get off to a great start as they went down 2-0 to co-hosts Mexico in the opening game, but they recovered well by drawing 1-1 with Czechia and then beating Korea Republic 1-0 thanks to Thapelo Maseko’s strike.
Norway
Another nation to break new ground in North America — and one who made just as much impact in the stands as they did on the pitch thanks to the fans’ ‘Viking Row’. Norway got their tournament underway with a dominant 4-1 win over Iraq, and Erling Haaland claimed his second brace in as many games as they defeated Senegal 3-2 to seal an early berth in the Round of 32.
Paraguay didn’t get off to the most auspicious of starts in North America as they were roundly beaten 4-1 by co-hosts USA, but La Albirroja bounced back with a resolute 1-0 win with ten men against Türkiye and then booked a place in the Round of 32 by drawing 0-0 with Australia. It was here that Gustavo Alfaro’s side truly sparked excitement back home, as they drew 1-1 with Germany before triumphing on penalties
The African powerhouse finally showed on the global stage what has made them the dominant regional power, as the Pharaohs claimed their first World Cup win, progressed to the knockout stage for the first time and then won a maiden knockout encounter. Draws with Belgium and IR Iran sandwiched the historic 3-1 comeback victory over New Zealand in the group stage, before Egypt got the better of Australia on penalties in the Round of 32.
Spain
Sixteen years after conquering South Africa 2010, Spain lifted the trophy again and did so in commanding style. After a slight stumble out of the gates in Group H with a 0-0 draw against Cabo Verde, La Roja ripped off seven wins in a row to claim the title. They captured top spot in the group thanks to a 4-0 cruise against Saudi Arabia and a 1-0 victory over Uruguay.
The knockout stage saw Spain only get stronger, beginning with a 3-0 triumph over Austria in the Round of 32. A late goal from Mikel Merino then saw them down Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16. Spain conceded their only goal of the competition in the quarter-finals against Belgium, but again Merino would prove decisive with another late winner in a 2-1 final score.
Next were heavyweights France in the semi-finals, and Luis de la Fuente’s men never blinked, seeing off Les Bleus with a comprehensive 2-0 victory. That set the stage for Sunday’s decider, in which Spain dominated from start to finish before Ferran Torres’ extra time winner clinched it.
The festivities then kicked into gear with the team boarding two open-air buses and celebrating with the Spanish people through the streets of Madrid. An estimated million-plus gathered in the Spanish capital, as the team capped things off with a full celebration at the Plaza de Cibeles in the heart of the city that lasted well into the night.
