King Felipe of Spain has expressed his enthusiastic support for the national football team, hinting at plans to travel to the United States to watch the squad compete in the championship match of the 2026 World Cup. His comments come in the wake of the team’s impressive semi-final victory against France, which secured their place in the final.
On 14 July, Spain triumphed over France with a score of 2-0, propelling them to the championship match scheduled for 19 July. The Spanish team, affectionately known as “La Roja” or “The Red One,” is now set to compete for their second World Cup title, having previously claimed victory in 2010. They will face either England or Argentina, who are set to clash in the semi-finals on 15 July.
Images and videos showcasing the royal family celebrating Spain’s victory have been widely circulated on social media. King Felipe, alongside Queen Letizia, and their two daughters, Princess Leonor and Princess Sofia, donned matching jerseys embroidered with their names and the number “26” in support of the team. The family exuberantly cheered for their compatriots, rallying behind the squad with messages of encouragement.
In a post made by the Spanish royal household, the caption read, “¡España está en la final! 🇪🇸,” celebrating the team’s remarkable success and urging them to fight for glory. The royals thanked the team for the exhilarating journey thus far and expressed their pride in Spain’s footballing prowess.
During a press conference the following day, King Felipe responded to questions about attending the championship match, suggesting the family may indeed make the trip to East Rutherford, New Jersey—where the final will take place at MetLife Stadium. The stadium, best known as the home ground for the New York Giants and New York Jets, is under temporary branding for the World Cup as New York New Jersey Stadium due to FIFA regulations.
It’s worth noting that Princess Leonor and Princess Sofia were too young to attend the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa, which was represented by their father at the time. King Felipe, then Crown Prince, had supported the team alongside Queen Letizia and their royal parents, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia. Interestingly, the young princesses made a charming appearance at the royal reception for the victorious team when they returned home, where they were delighted to see the World Cup trophy held by goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
Speculation regarding potential royal attendance at the final continues, particularly if England secures a spot in the championship match. The Prince of Wales, who is known for his passion for football, has hinted that he would also make the journey to New Jersey if England advances. In a recent podcast appearance, he confirmed his intentions to attend should his nation make it to the final, while maintaining an air of cautious optimism regarding England’s chances.
With excitement building as both Spain and the potential for England’s participation loom, football fans and royal aficionados alike eagerly await the championship clash. The prospect of two royal families cheering for their respective countries adds an intriguing narrative to the upcoming final, promising to capture the attention of both nations and the world.
As the anticipation mounts, King Felipe and his family represent not just their nation’s passion for football, but also the unifying power of sport, as millions await to see which team will ultimately lift the coveted trophy. With the match just days away, fans are rallying behind their teams, hopeful for a moment of celebration that could forever mark their place in football history.