​Spain’s defender Pau Cubarsí appeared on Radio MARCA today for an interview ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Belgium. The Barcelona youngster has quickly established himself as one of Spain’s standout performers and one of the best centre-backs at the tournament, displaying a level of composure and maturity beyond his years. In the interview, Cubarsí maintained the same poise and calmness, make clear that the team’s ambition remains undiminished despite a increasingly challenging path ahead. “We have one goal in mind, which is to win the World Cup, and we’re going to fight for it,” the 19-year-old centre-back said. He also expressed total confidence in his teammates, adding, “If we do things well, we’ll have a better chance of winning.”
Cubarsí went on to discuss Pedri, asserting that the midfielder is fully prepared to carry Spain creatively during the decisive stages of the tournament, even amid some criticism of the Barcelona playmaker’s performances. “I see him doing well and staying calm. He already knows the quality he has, and he knows he’s having a great World Cup,” the teenager stated. According to Cubarsí, the key for Pedri is simply to remain true to himself, saying, “He just has to stay calm and keep being himself because everything will work out for him. He’s a very calm player and knows exactly what qualities he has.”
When asked about Pedri and Lamine Yamal, Cubarsí emphasized that the winger’s contributions extend far beyond the numbers. “I don’t see him being anxious about scoring or providing assists. What I see is that he’s focused on making the team play well, keeping the tempo high, creating chances and, above all, winning,” the defender remarked. He highlighted Yamal’s influence on opponents as one of his strongest attributes: “There’s another side of football that people don’t always notice: making opponents afraid, increasing the rhythm of the game and pushing them back into their own half. I think Lamine is the best at that.”
Cubarsí also praised Spain’s progress since their opening match and underscored the importance of collective effort, especially in defence. La Roja have yet to concede a goal in the tournament, a feat the youngster believes results from the whole team’s commitment rather than solely the backline. “The defensive line has been very good, but the forwards and midfielders also help us defend, and they make our job much easier,” he explained. The Barcelona defender admitted that keeping a clean sheet throughout the tournament would be a remarkable achievement, adding, “That would be an incredible record, and it would help us win.”
During the interview, Cubarsí did not shy away from acknowledging the scrutiny faced by other Spain players, including Ferran Torres, and he stressed the importance of staying united and focused as a group. He reiterated that the team’s objective remains clear: play with discipline, maintain intensity, and trust the system that has brought them success so far. With a quarter-final against Belgium on the horizon, Cubarsí’s calm and measured approach reflects a squad that believes in its collective strength and the potential to reach the latter stages of the World Cup.
Overall, Cubarsí’s remarks underscored a message of unity, confidence, and purpose. He highlighted the depth of Spain’s squad and the way in which every player contributes to a cohesive defensive and attacking effort. As Spain eye a potential title run, his reflections on Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and the team’s defensive resilience provide a snapshot of the mental and tactical focus that could be decisive in the tournament’s knockout rounds.