Celebrations in Madrid

Madrid (AFP) – Widespread joy echoed through Madrid on Wednesday morning, as cheers and car horns reverberated across the city in celebrations of Spain’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in North America after defeating France, bringing the team closer to winning a second world title.

Jaime Sanchez, 19, told AFP, visibly moved, as thousands of fans left the official fan zone in central Madrid: “I’m very happy and extremely proud of the national team.”

He added, “They didn’t favor us to win, but we managed to beat France, and we will defeat any team we face in the final.”

Fans chanted slogans such as “Long live Spain!” and “I am Spanish!” while capturing the moment on their phones and dancing to popular stadium songs.

After being barred from entering the fan zone at Colon Square, some people occupied a bus lane or sat on grassy patches and walls, trying to catch a glimpse of the giant screen.

Others gathered around crowded bars and restaurants broadcasting the match, watching from the streets.

With the possibility of Spain repeating its 2010 World Cup triumph, Sanchez recalled celebrating with his family when he was a young child.

He said, “Enjoy this moment as much as possible. You don’t live it once in a lifetime, but twice if we win the World Cup this time.”