Spain's World Cup winners return home to heroes' welcome

Spain's FIFA World Cup-winning squad returned to Madrid on Monday, where hundreds of thousands of fans were expected to celebrate the team's triumph.

Captain Rodri carried the World Cup trophy as the players arrived from the United States, a day after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final in New Jersey. Ferran Torres scored the winning goal to secure Spain's second World Cup title and their first since 2010.

The victory sparked celebrations across Spain, with fans filling streets late into the night. In Madrid, cleaning crews began work early on Monday after large crowds left behind litter and broken glass along the city's main avenues.

The players are scheduled to meet King Felipe VI at Zarzuela Palace before visiting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at the Moncloa Palace.

The team will later take part in an open-top bus parade through Madrid, ending at Cibeles Square, where a public celebration will be held.

Officials expect around one million people to line the parade route, with extra security and transport arrangements put in place to manage the crowds.