World Cup news latest: Winners Spain parade through Madrid – as FIFA opens investigation into final – Sky News

Spain’s World Cup-winning side paraded through Madrid on Tuesday, basking in the glow of their first global title since 2010, as FIFA opened an official investigation into the controversial final in Doha. The dual developments—celebration in Spain and scrutiny in Zurich—frame a pivotal moment for both the new champions and football’s governing body, with questions now swirling over officiating, VAR decisions, and the integrity of the tournament’s climax.

Madrid erupts as Spain’s triumphant heroes return

Tens of thousands lined the streets of Madrid as the Spanish squad arrived at Plaza de Cibeles, where they were greeted by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and King Felipe VI. The open-top bus procession, draped in the national flag, stretched from the airport to the heart of the capital, mirroring the scale of celebrations seen after Spain’s Euro 2008 and 2012 triumphs. Among the returning players, midfielder Rodri was singled out by local media for leading the team’s midfield dominance, while coach Luis de la Fuente received a standing ovation during the post-parade press conference.

The parade capped a week of emotional tributes, including a private audience with the royal family and a public training session that drew over 20,000 fans to the Wanda Metropolitano. Spanish broadcasters reported that the festivities cost an estimated €2 million, funded jointly by the RFEF and local authorities. For a nation that has long prided itself on technical football but struggled in knockout stages, the victory represents a definitive breakthrough on the world stage.

FIFA’s investigation casts shadow over the final whistle

Within hours of Spain’s 1-0 win over England, FIFA confirmed it had opened a formal probe into refereeing decisions during the match, including a 90th-minute penalty awarded to Spain after a VAR review. The spot-kick, converted by captain Álvaro Morata, sealed the victory and sparked immediate controversy, with replays showing minimal contact between England’s centre-back and the Spanish striker. FIFA’s statement did not specify a timeline for the investigation but noted that disciplinary proceedings could extend beyond the tournament’s conclusion.

The decision to scrutinise the final’s key moment underscores broader concerns about VAR’s role in shaping outcomes. England manager Gareth Southgate, speaking after the match, declined to criticise the referee but admitted his team “felt hard done by” in the buildup to the penalty. The investigation adds a layer of uncertainty to Spain’s triumph, with potential implications for player suspensions or retrospective sanctions if breaches of protocol are identified.

What comes next for Spain and the global game

For Spain, the path forward hinges on sustaining this generation’s momentum. De la Fuente has already hinted at a squad overhaul ahead of Euro 2028, with young talents like Lamine Yamal and Gavi expected to form the spine of a new era. The federation’s technical staff will also review footage from the tournament to refine tactical approaches, particularly in high-pressure moments where composure under VAR scrutiny became decisive.

On the global stage, FIFA’s investigation risks overshadowing the tournament’s legacy. The governing body has faced repeated criticism over refereeing inconsistencies, from the Women’s World Cup in 2023 to the men’s edition in Qatar. With the expanded 2026 tournament looming, calls for greater transparency in VAR processes and referee accountability are likely to intensify. A swift resolution to the probe—whether it exonerates the officials or leads to sanctions—will be critical in restoring confidence in the integrity of the competition.

The contrast between Spain’s euphoria and FIFA’s formal scrutiny highlights the dual realities of modern football: where sporting triumphs are immortalised in parades and banners, but the fine print of justice lingers in boardrooms. For now, the champions’ bus rolls on through Madrid, while in Zurich, the wheels of accountability have only just begun to turn.