While you slept, Spain paraded through Madrid

While you slept, the champions paraded

Between Sunday night and Monday morning Japan time, Spain flew home as world champions and held an open-top bus parade through central Madrid. The players were first welcomed by King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, then boarded the bus. The route ran from near Moncloa Palace to Cibeles Square, where huge crowds filled the avenues and a celebration with live singers was staged.

The first country to hold both World Cups

This parade means more than a single trophy. Spain's women won the World Cup in 2023 and the men have now won in 2026, making Spain the first country ever to hold the men's and women's titles at the same time. It rarely makes a Japanese headline, but it marks the depth of a footballing nation. A fuller account of the homecoming is in today's news.

The final itself was already reported: early Monday Japan time, Ferran Torres scored a minute into extra time and Spain beat Argentina 1-0 for their first title since 2010. Kylian Mbappe is confirmed as top scorer on 10 goals.

For readers in Japan

There is nothing newly confirmed about Japan this morning. Japan are already out, and their next date is the JFA board meeting on 23 July, where Hajime Moriyasu is expected to be formally approved to stay on. The tournament has finished its full schedule and no matches are set from tonight; the site now turns to the wrap-up.