King Felipe VI may have missed Spain’s FIFA World Cup semifinal in Arlington, Texas, but that did not stop him from celebrating one of the country’s biggest sporting moments alongside his family.
Shortly after Spain defeated France 2-0 to book its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, the Spanish Royal Household released a warm behind-the-scenes video showing King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía watching every moment of the match together from Barcelona.
The family had remained in the city to preside over the annual Princess of Girona Awards, preventing them from traveling to Dallas for the semifinal.
The candid footage offered a rare glimpse inside the royals’ private celebration. Wearing matching Spain national team jerseys, the four watched the tense match from a lounge before erupting in celebration after the final whistle.
© Casa de Su Majestad el ReyKing Felipe could be seen throwing both arms into the air in delight before embracing his wife and daughters in an emotional group hug. In other moments, the family watched the action closely with arms around one another, creating an image that quickly resonated with football fans across Spain.
© Casa de Su Majestad el ReySpain secured its place in Sunday’s World Cup final thanks to goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro in a commanding 2-0 victory over France at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The result sends La Roja into its first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 2010.
Although the royal family could not support the team from the stands, they made sure their encouragement reached the players. Alongside the video, the Royal Household shared a message congratulating Spain on reaching the final.
© Casa de Su Majestad el Rey“You have once again shown why you are one of the great national teams in the world,” the statement read. “Now, with an entire country behind you, the time has come to fight for the title.”
The message concluded by thanking the squad “for letting us enjoy this journey” before urging the team on to the final.
© Casa de Su Majestad el ReyThe footage also highlighted the close-knit dynamic of the royal family.
Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía sat alongside their parents throughout the match, all four wearing personalized Spain jerseys, with King Felipe’s shirt displaying the number 26 and Princess Leonor’s featuring her name across the back.
© Casa de Su Majestad el ReyWhile thousands of fans celebrated in the streets of Madrid and cities across the country after the historic victory, the royal family’s intimate gathering in Barcelona showed that they were sharing the same excitement, just from a different setting.
Spain will now prepare for the FIFA World Cup final, where the national team will have the chance to capture its second men’s World Cup title.
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