Kenyans in the streets of Nairobi celebrate after Spain won the World Cup/ AI ILLUSTRATED
Celebrations erupted across parts of Nairobi on Sunday night after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with thousands of football fans taking to the streets to mark the historic victory.
Fans who had gathered at public viewing centres, sports bars and entertainment venues burst into loud cheers immediately after the final whistle, transforming the city into a sea of celebration.
Outside the National Archives in Nairobi's central business district, one of the city's biggest public viewing locations, jubilant supporters sang, danced, blew whistles and repeatedly chanted "Spain! Spain!" as they celebrated the European giants' return to the summit of world football.
Others waved Spanish jersey while groups embraced, jumped in excitement and recorded the moment on their mobile phones as passing motorists hooted in support.
At the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), where hundreds had gathered to watch the final on giant screens, fans remained long after the match ended, singing football chants and celebrating together.
The occasion felt like much more than a football match, as the fans shared experience that brought together people from different backgrounds through their love of the game.
Throughout the evening, fans reacted passionately to every major moment of the final, applauding spectacular saves, missed chances and attacking moves before erupting when Spain eventually found the breakthrough in extra time.
The excitement quickly spread beyond organised viewing venues, with celebrations spilling onto nearby streets as supporters continued chanting and dancing late into the night.
Similar scenes were witnessed in bars, hotels and entertainment joints across the city, many of which had filled to capacity hours before kick-off as fans scrambled for the best viewing spots.
Across Kenya, football enthusiasts gathered in towns and cities to follow the final between Spain and Argentina, with giant screens set up at public viewing centres, shopping malls, restaurants and recreational spaces.
The month-long FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, attracted widespread interest among Kenyan football lovers, who followed every stage of the tournament from the group matches to the final.
Spain secured the title after edging Argentina 1-0 following an extra-time winner from Ferran Torres, ending a 16-year wait for football's biggest prize since lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010.
As celebrations continued in Nairobi, many fans lingered in the streets, reliving the match, singing football songs and taking photographs to commemorate the night.
