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SportsSpain's World Cup victory celebration: players display regional flags instead of national flag
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Spain celebrated its second World Cup title after a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the 2026 final. During the trophy ceremony, Spanish players notably displayed flags representing their home regions and cities rather than the Spanish national flag. Gavi wrapped himself in the Andalusian flag, Borja Iglesias wore a Galician flag as a skirt, Ferran Torres waved the Valencian flag, and Pedri and Yeremi displayed the Canary Islands flag. Dani Olmo celebrated with an even more local flag. The ceremony also featured US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino presenting medals, with Trump remaining on stage during the team photo. The article highlights the strong regional identities within Spain's national team.
Source report
Spain's World Cup triumph was marked by an unusual display on the winners' podium: instead of waving the national flag, many players proudly raised the flags of their home regions and cities.
The victory was well-deserved. Spain dominated the World Cup final against Argentina, winning 1–0 after extra time and securing their second world championship title since 2010. After the final whistle, celebrations were briefly delayed by an outburst from Argentine player Leandro Paredes, but once the tension subsided, the Spanish team embraced, danced on the pitch to the party classic "Eviva España," and prepared for the award ceremony.
US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the trophy. Trump appeared perfectly at ease in the spotlight, remaining on stage during the team's victory photo—a moment FIFA's president could not prevent.
Regional Pride on Display
Many players had already organized flags before the ceremony—not the Spanish flag, but symbols of the regions and cities they come from.
- Gavi, a victim of Paredes' outburst, received his medal from Donald Trump wrapped in a green-and-white flag. The FC Barcelona player, born in Los Palacios y Villafranca in Andalusia, proudly displayed the Andalusian flag on the podium, as did his teammate Fabian Ruiz.
- Borja Iglesias, who did not play in the final but celebrated just as exuberantly, turned a flag of Galicia into a wrap-around skirt. He was born and grew up in Santiago de Compostela.
- Ferran Torres, who scored the winning goal in the 106th minute, waved the flag of Valencia. He was born in Foios, near Valencia.
- Pedri and Yeremi, both born on the Canary Islands (Tenerife and Gran Canaria, respectively), displayed the flag of the Canary Islands.
- Dani Olmo, the FC Barcelona striker, took the local pride even further, though details of his specific flag were not elaborated.
The celebration highlighted the deep regional identities within Spain, even as the nation celebrated a collective World Cup victory.
Source
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Spain's World Cup Victory Celebration Marked by Regional Flags Instead of National Flag