When Luis de la Fuente was appointed Spain's head coach on December 8, 2022, four days after Luis Enrique stepped down following the World Cup round-of-16 penalty shootout defeat to Morocco, the decision puzzled many.

New World Cup champions Spain began their celebration parade on an open-top bus through the streets of Madrid on Monday early evening, with a jubilant crowd of over a million people out to celebrate, local authorities told AFP.

Pau Cubarsi did not produce viral highlights or spectacular goals. Instead, he built something every champion needs: a defensive wall.

Luis de la Fuente's side reclaimed top spot for the first time since January after beating 2022 world champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in Sunday's World Cup final.

A Spanish flag fluttered from the cockpit window as the Iberia aircraft carrying the squad taxied to the terminal at Madrid-Barajas airport at 14:30 local time (12:30 GMT) under clear blue skies.

The newly crowned world champion sought only the solace and celebration of his mother and girlfriend, moments of quiet intimacy that anchored his historic achievement.

A tournament official confirmed that protocols dictate that training must be suspended whenever lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of the site.

Spain's priority is to ensure Yamal, Porro and the rest of the squad are as fresh as possible for the final.

A master at getting under the skin of elite attackers, Cucurella does not just mark opposing wingers; he physically and mentally derails them.

Witness Spanish football star Lamine Yamal balance global stardom with family devotion. The Barcelona winger shares his World Cup victories with toddler brother Keyne, proving emotional groundedness drives elite performance for the new generational icon.

From dramatic late winners and tactical masterclasses to intense pitchside confrontations, this collection captures the pivotal moments, tactical battles, and raw emotional outbursts that have shaped both European heavyweights' journeys through the tournament so far.

What do you need to turn fortunes around in a tournament?

Spain coasted past Austria and into the World Cup last-16 on Thursday, thoroughly outclassing their opponents in a 3-0 knockout win with a brace from Mikel Oyarzabal and a Pedro Porro header.

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente said his side had silenced their doubters after Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal inspired a 4-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

Much was expected of Spain against the tournament debutants, but De la Fuente's team were unable to find a way past the African side, and need a statement win in Sunday's Group H game with the Saudis to restore some faith.

Celebrate football prodigy Lamine Yamal waving a Palestinian flag during Barcelona’s electric La Liga title parade. The teenager’s bold gesture sparked global political debate, shifting expectations for how modern athletes express their deep personal beliefs.

Spain failed to find a way past inspired Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha as the 40-year-old secured a stunning 0-0 draw for the World Cup debutants and was reduced to tears at his heroics.

Barcelona superstar Yamal has not played since suffering a hamstring injury on April 22.

One of the most exciting talents set to feature in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, Barcelona’s Spanish winger Lamine Yamal has been named LaLiga Player of the season, the Spanish league announced on Friday.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente remains optimistic that forwards Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams will be fit for their World Cup opener despite both players missing the end of the club season with hamstring injuries.