Spain’s World Cup champs welcomed to Zarzuela Palace

The Spanish Royal Family welcomed Spain’s World Cup Champion soccer players to Zarzuela Palace in Madrid.

King Felipe, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofía received the Spanish National Team at the palace just a day after the team won the World Cup in New Jersey.

Rafael Louzán Abal, the President of the Spanish Royal Football Federation; Luis de la Fuente, team coach; and Rodrigo Hernández, team captain, led the team to meet the royals.

King Felipe, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía were all gifted Spanish jerseys and chatted with the team members to congratulate them. Leonor and Sofía also retook a photo holding the World Cup Trophy, just like they did as little girls in 2010.

The King told the winners, “It has been quite an odyssey. The journey has been long, and not only in this final phase or stretch, but also with 48 teams. It has been an epic triumph! You have suffered! You return somewhat bruised and tired… you have faced criticism… now faded away.”

© Casa de SM el Rey

He later added, “You will forever carry those two stars that shine so brightly for all of Spain, but you are all a stellar and legendary team in the history of our football and Spanish sport. It may no longer be something so singular or unique, but it is always extraordinary!! Aside from other important titles, 16 years later, thanks to you, SPAIN is once again the WORLD CHAMPION of football. And today we are the reigning World Champions.”

Spain previously won the World Cup in 2010.

Spain defeated Argentina in extra time in the final of the 2026 World Cup, 1-0. The King and Queen and their two daughters were in attendance to cheer on the Spaniards to victory and took to the field when the trophy was awarded to the winners.