Spain became world champion for the second time after 2010, and King Felipe VI (58) held the trophy in his hands shortly afterwards. At MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, La Roja prevailed 1-0 against Argentina in the final, with the match decided only by a goal from Ferran Torres in extra time. The Spanish royal family watched the game from the stands.
It was a premiere: For the first time, Felipe and Queen Letizia (53) attended a World Cup final together with their two daughters, Crown Princess Leonor (20) and Infanta Sofía (19). From their box, they cheered on the team they had been supporting since the start of the tournament. Their clothing also left no doubt about where their sympathies lay: red dominated the outfits. The tournament itself also made history, as it was the first to be co-hosted by three countries: the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The King Was Right
Just minutes before kickoff, Felipe VI addressed the players. "This team thrills us once again, just like their predecessors in 2010. I think we will witness a spectacular final between two brotherly nations. It will be a great spectacle, and let's hope it goes in our favor," said the monarch. In the end, exactly what he had hoped for came true.
After the final whistle, the King went down onto the field to personally congratulate the players and coaching staff. At his side were other honorary guests of the final, including U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The embrace with Rodri, the captain of the team who was voted best player of the tournament, was particularly warm. Felipe also shared a heartfelt moment with Lamine Yamal.
The Daughters Lift the Trophy
After the trophy presentation, the King passed the cup to Letizia. The Queen, Leonor, and Sofía also mingled with the world champions, congratulated the players, and lifted the trophy themselves.
The Spanish royal household also spoke out on social networks. "World champions! Another unforgettable page in our history. Another star. Another dream fulfilled, thanks to an exceptional generation that has proven that talent, dedication, humility, and teamwork are the path to success," it said. The congratulations were also explicitly directed at the coaching staff around Luis de la Fuente and the fans. Today they celebrate a title, tomorrow they will remember a legend. "A triumph that will remain forever in the history of Spanish sports."
Celebrities in the Stands
The royals were not the only prominent guests in the stadium. FIFA had invited 130 celebrities, more than ever before at a final. From Spain came Javier Bardem, among others, as well as several heroes from the first title win in 2010: Iker Casillas, Xavi Hernández, David Villa, and Fernando Llorente. Alejandra Silva appeared with her husband Richard Gere, María Valverde accompanied Gustavo Dudamel, one of the stars of the halftime show.
The guest list also included Mick Jagger, Dua Lipa, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Timothée Chalamet, Kylie Jenner, Brooke Shields, and Sarah Jessica Parker. From the sports world came David Beckham with his family, Diego Simeone accompanied by Carla Pereyra, as well as Didier Drogba, Kaká, and Zinedine Zidane.
