Spain's World Cup celebration: tattoos, trophy trunks, and a promise

Spain's men's national team returned to a heroes' welcome after winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with celebrations featuring a giant red speaker, Louis Vuitton trophy trunks, and a tattoo bet among the players.

Midfielder Rodrigo Hernández, who scored the winning goal in the final against Portugal, recalled watching Spain's 2010 World Cup win as a 14-year-old at a summer camp in Connecticut. This time, he was on the pitch, lifting the trophy after Ferran Torres secured a 2-1 victory in extra time.

From camp to champion

Rodrigo took a detour from the immediate celebrations to retrieve the trophy from the podium, waiting for Donald Trump to leave centre stage before hoisting it aloft. His teammates later presented him with a custom-made Louis Vuitton trunk to house his Player of the Tournament award.

• A giant red speaker blasted music during the open-top bus parade through Madrid.
• Several players vowed to get tattoos commemorating the victory, including a wager some made before the tournament.
• The team visited the Royal Palace and met King Felipe VI before the parade.
• Luis de la Fuente's side finished the tournament with the best defensive record, conceding only three goals.

Despite the euphoria, de la Fuente stressed the squad's focus remains on the future: 'We are not satisfied yet. The next game in September is already on our minds.'