Spain stays cool, calm and united in L.A. as the team eyes a July 19 final in New Jersey

Under the warm Los Angeles sun at Dignity Health Sports Park, Marcos Llorente and Marc Pubill stretched out and relaxed while three of their teammates — Gavi, Mikel Oyarzabal and Borja Iglesias — faced a swarm of reporters separated into TV, radio and print zones.

The mood was noticeably lighter than it had been in Dallas, where temperatures ran about 15 degrees hotter. In L.A., everything feels easier — and spirits are high. Spain is still alive, still dreaming, and still aiming for that July 19 final in New Jersey.

A relaxed team, but fully locked in

Gavi couldn’t resist a smile when he was told that Justin Bieber is set to perform during the final’s halftime show. “Yeah, I like Justin Bieber. If he sings at the final, even better. But we want to be there whether he sings or not.”

The midfielder, echoing Borja Iglesias later, emphasized the unity that has defined Spain for months. “It’s important that everyone is clear about their role, whether they play or not. We’re a national team — we represent a country. You have to contribute, whether it’s in training or when you get minutes. The other day the subs came in and changed the match. Our biggest strength is that we’re united.”

Borja’s story: “Being here is already a luxury”

Borja Iglesias shared an anecdote from his time in Vigo. “One day, Claudio Giráldez gave us a talk that made me think. He said, ‘Soccer teaches you that you must always play — but reality is you don’t.’ And it’s true. You prepare yourself to be available. But being here is already a luxury. I feel loved and supported. The other day I got so many hugs.”

Spain, he added, wants to avoid any sense of overconfidence heading into the quarterfinals. History offers a warning: 40 years ago in Puebla, Spain crushed Denmark 5–1 and entered the match against Belgium as heavy favorites — and still lost.

“I don’t like talking about favorites. Portugal was one of the strongest teams in the World Cup. Belgium will be just as tough, or tougher. They have great players. Right now, I’d say the best is Doku. Hopefully everything goes well tomorrow.”

And again, he circled back to unity: “What makes this team different from others in Spain’s history is the group. We’ve basically had the same squad since the coach took over. That’s how we won the Nations League and the Euro. We’re all together. I’m calm. I look at the team and trust we’ll give our best — hopefully all the way to the final.”

Oyarzabal: “The celebration showed we’re a family”

Mikel Oyarzabal, speaking in his usual calm tone, echoed the same message. “I’m happy with how everything is going collectively.”

He pointed to the goal celebration against Portugal as proof of the team’s chemistry.

When asked whether Lamine Yamal would show his best version in these decisive matches, he didn’t hesitate: “Absolutely.”

He closed with a nod to Ferran Torres: “He knows he’s important for us. He’ll get chances. He’s close to doing big things. And he’ll get more, for sure.”

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