Pau Gasol on Spain's World Cup quarter-final with Belgium

Pau Gasol, the legendary Spanish basketball player who won back-to-back NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009 and 2010, has shared his thoughts on Spain's FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final clash with Belgium. Speaking to FIFA, Gasol, who also led Spain to victory at the 2006 FIBA World Cup, offered insights into the match, the tournament's atmosphere, and what it means to be a Spanish sporting icon in Los Angeles.

Gasol's World Cup Memories and Spanish Pride

Gasol, who began his basketball career at FC Barcelona, is a passionate football fan. He recalled the 2010 World Cup final in Johannesburg, where Spain defeated the Netherlands 1-0 thanks to Andrés Iniesta's extra-time goal. "It was truly a privilege to be able to experience that moment in person, a historic moment for my beloved country," Gasol said. He emphasized how the World Cup has inspired generations: "Growing up in Spain, the World Cup was always one of those events that brought everyone together. I remember watching matches with my family and friends, feeling the excitement that spread across the whole country."

Tournament Atmosphere and Standout Players

Gasol praised the unique atmosphere created by the tournament being spread across North and Central America. "Having the tournament spread across North and Central America has created a unique atmosphere, and it's been exciting to see so many different cultures coming together," he noted. He highlighted the quality of soccer and singled out players like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland for their performances. "I always enjoy watching players who combine technical skill with heart and leadership because those are qualities that translate across every sport and life," Gasol added.

Spain's Journey and Quarter-Final Outlook

Reflecting on Spain's path to the quarter-finals, which included knockout-stage victories over Austria and Portugal, Gasol expressed pride in the team's performance. "Spain has shown confidence, high level of competitiveness and a clear identity. They've stayed true to the style of soccer that has brought them success while also showing the resilience to find a way to win when matches have become difficult," he said. Looking ahead to the match against Belgium, Gasol noted the importance of handling pressure: "Quarter-final games are all about handling pressure. All the teams that make it this far into the tournament are strong contenders for the title, so in my opinion it's more about staying focused and disciplined from the first minute to the last." He pointed out that Belgium boasts strong offensive talent, while Spain has not conceded a goal in the tournament, setting up an exciting contest.

Los Angeles: A Second Home

Gasol, who became a Lakers legend alongside Kobe Bryant, spoke about his deep connection to Los Angeles. "Los Angeles will always hold a special place in my life because it's where I experienced some of the most meaningful moments of my career, both professionally and personally. The city embraced me from day one, and I always felt a responsibility to give something back, not only through basketball but through community work as well," he said. As Spain's players, including Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, and Pedro Porro, aim for glory in LA, they draw inspiration from Gasol's legacy.