Champions of Pride, Shadows of Politics As the 2026 World Cup came to a close, Spain's national team, La Roja, returned home to a triumphant welcome in Madrid on Monday.
The euphoria that greeted their victory is a testament to the unifying power of sport. The Spanish government's decision to grant the team a hero's welcome was widely approved by fans and pundits alike.
However, it also raises questions about the role of nationalism in sports, particularly in the context of Spain's complex regional identities.