"Who Are Those Royal Beauties Holding the World Cup Trophy?"...Crown Princess Sisters Steal the Spotlight Among Players

Spain Wins World Cup After 16 Years...Royal Family in Full Attendance
Spotlight on Sisters Crown Princess Leonor and Princess Sofia

After Spain defeated Argentina to claim the championship at the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup—its first title in 16 years—the Spanish royal family, who attended the final, drew the eyes of the world. In particular, the image of Princess Leonor (20) and Princess Sofia (19) lifting the trophy together during the award ceremony quickly spread through broadcast screens and social networking services (SNS), becoming another topic of conversation.

Princess Leonor of Spain (second from right) and Princess Sofia (first from right). Photo by AFP Yonhap News

According to Spanish media on July 20, King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, and Princess Sofia attended the World Cup final in person at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, United States, on July 19 to support the national team.

This was the first time that all four members of the royal family embarked on an official overseas engagement together. The royal authorities reportedly implemented security measures, such as sending King Felipe VI and Princess Leonor on separate flights, in accordance with the principle of protecting the head of state and the first in line to the throne.

Royal Family Wears ‘La Roja’… A Symbol of a Modern Monarchy That Shares Emotions with the People

Princess Sofia of Spain (second from left) and Crown Princess Leonor (third from left). Screenshot from Instagram @thearabianroyal

On this day, the royal family attracted attention with attire based on 'La Roja' (red), the symbolic color of the Spanish national team. King Felipe VI added a touch of red with his tie, while Queen Letizia wore a red dress that exuded elegance. Princess Leonor and Princess Sofia also showed their support by donning clothes in red hues.

After the match, the royal family took the stage for the trophy ceremony, celebrating with Lamine Yamal and other players as they lifted the championship trophy together. Local media described this as “a symbol of a modern monarchy that shares emotions with its people,” and commented that the royal family demonstrated that it is widening its connection with the public.

16 Years On… From ‘Little Princesses’ to the Faces of the Royal Family

Earlier photos of Princess Leonor and Princess Sofia are also attracting renewed attention. When Spain won its first-ever World Cup title in South Africa in 2010, Princess Leonor was just a five-year-old child and her younger sister, Princess Sofia, was only three. In the arms of then-Crown Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia, the adorable sisters watched in awe as Iker Casillas, the team captain, showed them the trophy—a scene that captivated audiences around the world.

Sixteen years later, in 2026, the two sisters have grown into key members responsible for the future of the Spanish royal family and attended the event in person. Following the abdication of their grandfather, Juan Carlos I, in 2014, and the accession of their father, King Felipe VI, Princess Leonor became first in line to the throne. Now, at age 20, she has completed military training at the army, navy, and air force academies, solidifying her position as the future queen.

Her 19-year-old younger sister, Princess Sofia, is currently studying political science and international relations at university and plans to continue her studies in Paris, France, this autumn. The sight of the two sisters—once little girls gleefully admiring the trophy—now standing as adult representatives of the royal family and sharing their joy with the spectators touched and impressed local fans, evoking a deep sense of time’s passage.

U.S. President Donald Trump (left) and Gianni Infantino, President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was present in the VIP section for the final, watching the match alongside U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and the Spanish King and Queen. Before the match, a brief moment was captured where Prime Minister Sanchez and President Trump exchanged greetings, but it was reported that only a simple exchange occurred. Previously, President Trump criticized Spain as a “terrible partner,” pointing to its refusal to allow the use of U.S. military bases during the Iranian airstrikes, and had even mentioned the possibility of cutting off trade.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.