Plaza de España in Las Rozas became the epicentre of the 2026 World Cup celebration, with 23,000 attendees and a notable boost to local commerce.
For the past few weeks, Plaza de España in Las Rozas has been the heart of Madrid's football fans. A total of 23,000 people visited this space to watch the Spanish National Team's matches in the 2026 World Cup, according to data provided by the local council.
The City Council installed four giant screens in the pavilion of the square from the first match, on June 15 against Cape Verde. The initiative, framed within the Infrastructure and Works department led by José Cabrera, aimed to create a meeting point for residents while simultaneously boosting the activity of local bars and restaurants.
The result could not have been more positive. The twenty or so restaurants adjacent to the square, as well as other businesses in the area, have expressed their gratitude to the Government Team for the measure. During June and July, the massive turnout translated into a significant increase in sales, according to municipal sources.
“It has been a resounding success, both due to the public's response and the collaboration of local commerce, which made it possible for everything to unfold safely,” highlighted the City Council.
The security operation was handled by the Local Police of Las Rozas, with support from SAMER, Civil Protection, and the Civil Guard. Thanks to this operation, no serious incidents were reported during the broadcasts, which gathered thousands of people for each match.
In total, seven matches of the Spanish National Team were broadcast in Plaza de España: the group stage matches against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Austria; the round of 16 and quarter-finals against Portugal and Belgium; and the semi-finals and final against France and Argentina. The group stage match against Uruguay could not be viewed in the square, as it took place at two in the morning, and was broadcast in the Auditorium of the Royal Spanish Football Federation to avoid disturbing the neighbours' rest.
To liven up the waits and create a festive atmosphere, the City Council organised parallel activities, shows, and music sessions led by DJ Pulpo, who entertained the audience before and after the matches.
The collaboration of the Royal Spanish Football Federation was key to the success of the fan zone, as they granted broadcasting rights and showed a proactive attitude to make the event possible. The City Council of Las Rozas has publicly thanked them for their involvement.
The experience has been so positive that the City Council does not rule out repeating the initiative for future major sporting events, as long as conditions allow. For now, the residents of Las Rozas already have a precedent for how to turn a square into a meeting point to celebrate the successes of national sports.
The 2026 World Cup, held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has left an indelible memory in Las Rozas: 23,000 people who, for a month, shared the excitement of football in a festive and safe environment.
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