Pau Cubarsí after Spain qualifies for 2026 World Cup final: 'The dream is still alive'

Spain has advanced to the final of the 2026 North American World Cup, showcasing a strong defensive performance in their 2-0 victory over France in Dallas. La Roja will now compete for the trophy against the winner of the semifinal match between England and Argentina.

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We are very happy and proud of all the work the team has done today. We knew it would be a very complicated match because they have spectacular players, but we do too. We pressed like never before, we had a spectacular game, and we are in the final.

Pau Cubarsí, a key defender in Spain's impenetrable backline, shared his elation and pride following the win. "We are very happy and proud of all the work the team has done today," Cubarsí stated in the mixed zone. "We knew it would be a very complicated match because they have spectacular players, but we do too. We pressed like never before, we had a spectacular game, and we are in the final."

Cubarsí highlighted the importance of Spain's defensive strength in their successful World Cup campaign. "Keeping a clean sheet is one of the most important things in football; it helps you a lot," he explained. "There was some talk that our goalkeeping and defense weren't good, but I think we've silenced many mouths. We've conceded one goal, we're in a final, and we're doing an impressive job; we're playing very good football."

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Keeping a clean sheet is one of the most important things in football; it helps you a lot. There was some talk that our goalkeeping and defense weren't good, but I think we've silenced many mouths. We've conceded one goal, we're in a final, and we're doing an impressive job; we're playing very good football.

Looking ahead to the final, Cubarsí indicated that Spain is not overly concerned about their opponent. "I don't want anyone specific... whoever comes, may God's will be done. We're going to rest, and then we'll study whoever we have to face," he said. "Very special days are coming, we're going to New York, the dream is still alive, and we're eager for the match to arrive. We're all going hand-in-hand to play a World Cup final, and we're going to win it."

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I don't want anyone specific… whoever comes, may God's will be done. We're going to rest, and then we'll study whoever we have to face. Very special days are coming, we're going to New York, the dream is still alive, and we're eager for the match to arrive. We're all going hand-in-hand to play a World Cup final, and we're going to win it.

Cubarsí, still very young, described reaching the final as fulfilling a dream. He encouraged aspiring young footballers to persevere in their ambitions. "I'm very young for all this I'm experiencing; being in a final is a unique thing," he shared. "To those who haven't taken the step yet and are 19 years old, I tell them to wait, they will have their opportunity. Football is something to be enjoyed; things arrive, and if there is sacrifice, everything will turn out well; I encourage them to keep fighting for their dreams."

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I'm very young for all this I'm experiencing; being in a final is a unique thing. To those who haven't taken the step yet and are 19 years old, I tell them to wait, they will have their opportunity. Football is something to be enjoyed, that things arrive, and if there is sacrifice, everything will turn out well; I encourage them to keep fighting for their dreams.