MADRID, July 20, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Spain's King Felipe VI thanked the country's World Cup-winning squad on Monday, telling the players their triumph belonged to the whole nation.

"When our national team plays, we all play. When you won, you won for all of Spain," he said at a reception for the squad after they won Spain's second World Cup title.

"You have shown your grit, your resilience and your courage, always backed by your technical skill, your control and command of the game, combining head and heart."

The king was joined by Queen Letizia, who wore a red dress to match the Spanish team's jerseys, and their two daughters, Princess Leonor and Princess Sofia.

Felipe greeted and shook hands with each player, leaning in for a hug with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

The squad is due to meet Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and then take part in an open-top bus parade through central Madrid, where large crowds in national team colours had already gathered.