World champions Spain set for hero's welcome; boy dies in celebration

Huge crowd are expected when Spain are set to celebrate the football World Cup title upon their return home later on Monday but a teenager has died in the initial joyous scenes in the country.

The team led by captain Rodri is expected to touch down at Madrid airport at 12.50pm (1050 GMT).

A reception in the royal palace by King Felipe VI is scheduled for later in the afternoon before the team will greet what will be hundreds of thousands of fans in an open top bus parade through the capital.

The celebrations will culminate at Cibales square where a big show is planned from 6pm and the team is expected to arrive at 9pm.

"We are really looking forward to returning to Spain. many people couldn't be here and we want to celebrate with everyone. I think we deserve a good celebration," defender Marc Cucurella said.

Celebrations in Spain have reportedly caused one tragic death as a 13-year-old boy died in the town of Rodrigo when he was hit by the stone pillar of a fountain which collapsed under the weight of several other people.

Two others were injured as the pillar fell onto those standing in the water of the fountain, local reports said. The town announced a three-day mourning period.

Spain won a second men's World Cup title on Sunday in the United States from Ferran Torres' extra time goal against Argentina.

The royal family was present at the New Jersey stadium and so was Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who later posted on X: "WE ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS. Our national team is tremendous. Thanks, Team."