Dani Olmo: Belgium first, then the final
Spain midfielder Dani Olmo underlined that the national team is fully focused on their 2026 World Cup quarter-final clash against Belgium on 10 July, but made no secret of the fact that their ultimate ambition is to reach – and win – the final.
Speaking at a press conference at Spain’s training base in Los Angeles, Olmo stressed that the group is determined to move step by step, without getting carried away by talk of the trophy.
“Our objective is the final, that’s clear,” he said. “But the only thing on our minds right now is the match against Belgium. We’re still in the quarter-finals, and the most important game is always the next one. We’re facing a fantastic opponent.”
Learning from the group stage
Olmo also reflected on Spain’s draw against Cape Verde, a result that some interpreted as a setback but which he believes had its own benefits.
“That match helped us see where we still need to improve,” he explained. “We’re progressing without conceding goals, and that’s crucial. If you keep a clean sheet, you’re never more than one goal away from winning. Defensive solidity gives you a platform to attack with confidence.”
He emphasized that the team does not rely on a fixed starting XI, but on a group where everyone is ready to contribute.
“We’re a team in the full sense of the word, and everybody is prepared to play,” Olmo continued. “That’s very important. It means it doesn’t really matter who starts. In many games the result is decided in the final minutes, and it’s often the players coming off the bench who make the difference. Being united on and off the pitch is key, and we’re managing that well. Whether you play 90 minutes or don’t come on at all, you have to give 100 percent for the team.”
Collective defending and attacking
For Olmo, Spain’s identity at this tournament is built on collective work in both phases of the game.
“We defend and attack as a unit,” he said. “Our defensive work starts with the forward who is pressing their centre-backs. That attitude from the front sets the tone. When everyone is committed to that, we’re much harder to break down.”
He added that this shared responsibility allows Spain to adapt to different types of opponents without losing their core principles of possession, pressing and quick transitions.
Step by step towards bigger goals
Despite the growing expectations around Spain’s performances in the tournament, Olmo insisted the team remains grounded and aware that there is still room for improvement.
“We’re moving forward on our path and we know we can achieve much more,” he noted. “There are still aspects of our game that need to be refined. We’re working every day on what we can improve – our pressing, our finishing, our decision-making in the final third. The important thing is that we feel we’re growing as the tournament goes on.”
Respect for Belgium’s quality
Looking ahead to the clash with Belgium, Olmo was full of respect for their opponents, describing them as one of the most complete sides in world football.
“Belgium are an excellent, very well-balanced team,” he said. “They probably have one of the best goalkeepers in the world. They’re full of extraordinary players in every line – from defence to attack. We’re expecting an extremely tough match.”
He stressed that Spain’s preparation is based on neutralising Belgium’s strengths while playing to their own.
“We know they can hurt you in many ways: on the break, with crosses, with individual talent. We have to be compact, aggressive without the ball, and brave when we have it. If we impose our style, we’ll have a chance. If we let them feel comfortable, it will be very difficult.”
Unbeaten run not a distraction
Spain arrive in the quarter-finals with an impressive unbeaten streak, but Olmo dismissed the idea that this series of positive results guarantees anything.
“It’s true we have a good run going, but that’s not what matters now,” he insisted. “The only thing that counts is winning the next game. Records and streaks don’t help you once the whistle blows. We’re not thinking about statistics, just about how to beat Belgium.”
He also made it clear that the team is not looking past the quarter-final stage.
“Before we can even talk about lifting the World Cup, we have to get through this round,” he said. “Our first goal is to reach the semi-finals. Once you’re there, you think about the next step. That’s the mindset that keeps us focused.”
Yamal’s impact on the team
Olmo was also asked about young winger Yamal, whose performances have drawn attention throughout the tournament.
“Yamal gives us enormous strength,” Olmo responded. “He’s more confident than ever, and that shows in the way he takes on defenders and creates chances. On the pitch, our understanding is getting better and better. If he keeps developing like this, he’ll continue to be a massive asset for us.”
According to Olmo, Yamal’s presence not only adds unpredictability in attack but also lifts the entire squad.
“When you have a player who can change a game with one action, it inspires the rest of the team,” he added. “He attracts opponents, opens spaces for others, and is always looking to make something happen.”
Tactical keys to the Belgium match
From a tactical point of view, Olmo hinted at the elements that could decide the quarter-final.
“In games of this level, details are everything,” he explained. “Set pieces, second balls, concentration in the first and last 15 minutes – those moments can define whether you go through or go home. We need to be very precise in our pressing and very calm when we build up from the back.”
He also underlined the importance of controlling the rhythm of the match.
“If we let the game become chaotic, it might favour them,” he said. “Our idea is to dictate the tempo, use the ball intelligently, and make them run. At the same time, we must be ready to suffer without the ball, because you can’t dominate for 90 minutes at this stage.”
Mental preparation and pressure management
Olmo acknowledged that knockout matches at a World Cup come with enormous psychological pressure, but believes Spain are handling it well.
“In a quarter-final, the mental side is as important as tactics and fitness,” he said. “You have to know how to handle the tension, the expectations from home, and the fact that one mistake can cost you everything. We work a lot on staying calm, staying in the moment and not thinking too far ahead.”
He noted that the dressing room atmosphere is positive and focused.
“We’re a close group, we enjoy being together, and that helps in difficult moments,” Olmo added. “There are experienced players who have been through big tournaments before and guide the younger ones. That mix gives us balance.”
Role of the substitutes and squad depth
Another key aspect for Spain, according to Olmo, is the contribution of those who start on the bench.
“In this kind of tournament, the whole squad is essential,” he said. “Matches are intense, there are extra times, sometimes penalties. Fresh legs from the bench can break a game open. The players who come on have already decided several of our matches this year.”
Olmo stressed that internal competition is healthy and raises the overall level.
“We all push each other in training,” he explained. “Everyone wants to play, of course, but we all know that the team comes first. When your teammate is performing well, you’re happy, because it brings you closer to your common goal.”
Physical condition and tournament rhythm
With the World Cup entering its decisive phase, fatigue becomes a factor, but Olmo insisted Spain feel ready physically.
“The staff manage our minutes very well,” he said. “There are rotations, recovery sessions, individual plans. Personally, I feel strong, and I see the same in my teammates. The idea is to arrive at every match with enough energy to press, run and maintain our style.”
He mentioned that the time spent in Los Angeles has helped the squad adapt and prepare.
“The conditions here have allowed us to work with intensity and also to rest properly,” he noted. “At this stage, small things in recovery, nutrition and sleep make a big difference.”
Looking ahead without losing focus
Even as talk grows outside the camp about Spain’s chances of lifting the trophy, Olmo repeated that inside the group, the message remains the same: Belgium first, everything else later.
“We know what we’re capable of, but we also know how hard it is to win a World Cup,” he concluded. “We respect every opponent and every round. Our mentality is clear: give everything in the quarter-final, try to earn our place in the semi-final, and then we’ll see how far we can go.”
The Spain-Belgium quarter-final will be played on 10 July, with kick-off scheduled for 22:00 local time in Turkey. Both teams go into the clash with high expectations, and for Olmo and his teammates, it represents one more decisive step on what they hope will be a journey all the way to the final.