Picture of the week: Madrid airport welcomes Spain’s world champions home

Spain’s FIFA World Cup celebrations began at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), where the newly crowned world champions arrived home following their victory over Argentina in the final in the United States.

Madrid airport welcomes Spain World Cup champions

The squad landed on an Iberia charter flight after departing from Newark, with their arrival delayed by around an hour following extra time in the World Cup final and post-match celebrations in the United States.

Media crews gathered on the apron as the aircraft taxied into position before captain Rodri emerged carrying the FIFA World Cup trophy down the aircraft steps. Players and coaching staff paused for photographs in front of the aircraft before leaving the airport to continue official celebrations across Madrid.

As Spain’s principal international gateway, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport provided the backdrop for the nation’s first homecoming moments after securing its second men’s World Cup title. The airport welcomed players, officials, media and supporters before the team travelled to the Royal Palace for a reception with King Felipe VI and later met with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

Following the airport arrival, celebrations continued with an open-top bus parade through Madrid, culminating at Cibeles Square, where almost two million supporters gathered to celebrate the team’s achievement.

The homecoming once again highlighted the airport’s role beyond aviation, serving as the first point of arrival for landmark national moments and international events. From welcoming world leaders and sporting champions to reconnecting families and visitors, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport continues to be one of Spain’s most recognisable gateways.

For millions watching around the world, the airport became the symbolic first stop on Spain’s journey home, marking the beginning of nationwide celebrations following another historic World Cup triumph.