The walk through Los Angeles International Airport wasn't as quiet as the Spanish delegation had hoped.
Even with airport security creating a corridor ahead of them, people still found ways to catch a glimpse.
Phones rose above shoulders almost instinctively as travellers abandoned queues, some calling out players' names while others simply stood there recording as Spain filed past.
"Lamine!"
"Pedri!"
"Vamos, España!" an almost southern American accent roared.
A young boy squeezed between his parents just enough to wave a small Spanish flag before security gently ushered him back.
One of the officers apologised with a smile, but not before Nico Williams looked over and returned the wave, earning an excited scream that echoed through the terminal.
Cameras continued flashing as the squad stepped through the secured gate leading toward the private charter waiting on the apron.
