Spain’s second men’s World Cup title sent supporters into the streets, public squares and beaches across the country after a 16-year wait for another championship.
Thousands celebrated into the early hours of Monday after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the July 19 final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Ferran Torres scored the deciding goal in the 106th minute, breaking a scoreless tie during extra time.
The victory carried particular significance in Rocafonda, the working-class and multicultural neighborhood of Mataró where 19-year-old Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal grew up.
Madrid’s Celebration Continued Into the Early Morning
Large crowds packed central Madrid as the final played on giant screens. When Torres scored, supporters embraced strangers, removed their shirts and launched flares and fireworks before enduring the final minutes of extra time.
After the final whistle, the celebration expanded through the capital. Reuters reported that fans danced in the streets, waved Spanish flags and sang “Y Viva España” as the party continued into Monday morning.
The gathering attracted supporters from outside Madrid and Spain. Reuters spoke with fans who had traveled from Barcelona, Málaga and Tunisia to watch the match in the capital and wait for the national team’s return with the trophy.
Public celebrations had begun before kickoff, with thousands gathering at locations including Plaza de Colón. The goal and final whistle transformed those viewing areas into street parties filled with chants, smoke and car horns.
Barcelona and Valencia Filled With Fireworks
In Barcelona, thousands watched the final on a large screen at the Parc del Fòrum. Supporters celebrated Torres’ goal as though the match were being played nearby, according to El País.
Fireworks continued after the match, while some revelers moved toward the city’s beaches to extend the celebration. Local figures later estimated that approximately 46,000 people participated in Barcelona’s gatherings.
Valencia hosted another major public viewing event in Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Approximately 30,000 people filled the square, where fireworks and sparklers illuminated the celebration after Spain secured the title.
Rocafonda Celebrated One of Its Own
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In Mataró, a capacity crowd of approximately 10,000 packed Parc Central to watch Yamal make his first World Cup final appearance. Red smoke covered the gathering after Torres’ goal as supporters chanted and celebrated Spain’s lead.
Children gathered near the front of the viewing area, while many older supporters wore Yamal’s Spain or Barcelona jersey. Yamal learned to play in Rocafonda, a coastal neighborhood approximately 19 miles north of Barcelona. A mural now honors him near the community pitch where he developed his skills, while his grandmother and cousin remain connected to the area.
Before the final, Yamal shared a childhood photograph of himself wearing a jacket from CF La Torreta, his first club. “For you and for the neighborhood,” he wrote, according to El País.
Yamal Carried Rocafonda’s ‘304’ Onto the World Stage
Yamal has repeatedly referenced Rocafonda through his “304” goal celebration. The hand gesture represents the final three digits of the neighborhood’s 08304 postal code.
The tribute has also appeared on his clothing and equipment. During the World Cup, Yamal wore a headband bearing the name “Rocafonda,” while his Adidas cleats displayed “304” alongside the flags of Morocco and Equatorial Guinea.