Borja Iglesias gave an interview ahead of the 2026 World Cup semi-final, discussing the team atmosphere, his personal role, and his expectations for the match against France.
The Spanish team has arrived in Dallas for their semi-final match against France. Borja said, "We are all very happy. It feels a little strange today because we arrived late yesterday and haven't fully adjusted to the time difference yet, but everyone is very motivated and looking forward to the match. Everything is moving very fast now, and we are really looking forward to it."
In the interview, Borja revealed that he brought his PS3 to the training camp and was playing the 2010 World Cup game. "We take turns partnering. At first, I played with Pedro Rostoli, then we switched partners, and now I'm doing well with Fabian. We usually use a 4-3-3 formation, slightly asymmetrical." When asked who the strongest player in the game was, he said, "Fernando Torres is very strong, Cristiano Ronaldo is also very good, and so is Lampard."
Speaking about the locker room atmosphere, Borja said that Luis de la Fuente always emphasized respect and team values. “As players and competitive people, of course we all want to play. When we don’t have a game, we look forward to playing, and when we do, we feel uncomfortable being substituted. But here, everyone puts the team first. Whether you play or not, you feel like you’re part of it. Everyone enjoys the process; this sense of unity is wonderful. For example, when Mikel Merino came on as a substitute and scored on his first touch, all of us warming up ran over to celebrate with him.”
Regarding Merino's consecutive substitute goals, Borja said: "I've known him for many years and have had a tough time playing against him before. He is very determined, extremely talented, and competitive, but at the same time, he knows exactly what he wants and prepares for it. He believed he could score, and the ball really came—it wasn't by chance, it was something he created himself. He has the ability to control his own destiny, which is very admirable."
When asked what he missed most about Spain, Borja said, “I like having free time, being able to get away from the spotlight and enjoy life. Here we revolve around the game, but the coach also gives us opportunities to relax, spend time with family, and see friends. My parents came for a week and then went back, and I haven’t seen some friends in a long time, so I really want to spend more time with them. I hope to go back with lots of wonderful memories.” When asked if he planned to get a World Cup trophy tattoo after the 2026 World Cup, Borja laughed and said, “I hope so, it would be beautiful. If I don’t get a trophy tattoo, maybe I’ll get Luis de la Fuente’s face (laughs). This World Cup is a tattoo contest, a lot of people got tattoos. I hope more people can add something to their resumes—that would be wonderful. Getting this far has been very difficult, the hardest part is yet to come, but I hope so.”
Speaking about his teammate Oyarzabal, Borja said, "Mikel is special. He has proven his ability on the field and is even better in training. He is very intelligent and can link the whole team from the center forward position, which is not easy because a center forward needs a bit of 'self' to be so crucial. But he does it in a calm way and knows what is best for the team. It is fortunate to share the dressing room with him and players like Ferran Torres who can play my position. They are all of a very high level and we get along very well, which is the most important thing."
When finally asked about his dream World Cup goal, Borja said, "If you ask any one of the 26 of us, even the goalkeeper, they'll all say they dream of scoring. Of course, I also hope to score and help the team. Over the years, I've learned to contribute even without scoring, and even help off the field. Everyone imagines a special moment, which helps in preparation. But no matter who scores, I'll celebrate the same way."
He sent a message to Spanish fans: "Thank you for your support all the way. Please continue to support us, enjoy the game, and hopefully we can celebrate together in a little over a week. Here's a hug for you all."
