A multitude welcomes Las Leonas to Argentina after World Cup win

The Argentine women's field hockey team, known as Las Leonas, was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd upon their return home after securing victory in the 2026 World Cup. Argentina triumphed over the Netherlands 3-1 in a shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time on Saturday, marking the nation's third World Cup win. The triumphant team's aircraft touched down at Buenos Aires' Ministro Pistarini (Ezeiza) International Airport at 5:50 a.m. As the plane approached, Argentine flags and hockey sticks adorned the airport, signaling the arrival of the champions.

Over 200 fans gathered at the airport to welcome Las Leonas, filling the terminal with chants and songs. Captain María José "Majo" Granatto entered the hall, escorted by police officers and carrying the World Cup trophy on a luggage cart. Soon, her teammates followed, wearing their gold medals from the tournament. The fans joined in the celebration, jumping and cheering as the team signed autographs, posed for pictures, and captured a group photo in front of the supporters.

Captain Granatto, co-captain alongside Agostina Alonso, shared her thoughts on the significance of the World Cup title. "It's heavy," she remarked, acknowledging the years of hard work, dreams, and defeats that led to this moment. Despite the setbacks they faced, Granatto emphasized that she wouldn't change any of their experiences or the journey that brought them to this victory.

She expressed gratitude to the fans who had gathered to welcome them and supported them throughout the tournament, stating that they would always remember and honor those who had cheered them on. "We play for them, for all the young girls playing this sport, and for all of Argentina," she concluded. The story of Las Leonas' triumphant return to Argentina was first reported by Buenos Aires Herald.