India, July 22 -- Spain's World Cup-winning soccer team returned home on Monday and an estimated crowd of almost 2 million was on hand to greet the squad through the streets of Madrid.

The 26 players and their coaching staff met with the country's royals, and then with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, after arriving in the Spanish capital a day after beating Argentina 1-0 in the final in New Jersey.

"Thank you to the coaches and players for the style of play, the effort and the victory," Sanchez said. "We have truly enjoyed watching you play." The squad then boarded an open-top bus for a raucous parade through central Madrid. "Stars shine together" was written on the bus, which also carried photos of the footballers.

Players - carrying th...