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Spain’s 2026 World Cup journey has revealed more than one potential generational talent. While Lamine Yamal continues to attract global attention, his Barcelona teammate Pau Cubarsi has quietly and impressively outshone him on the world’s biggest stage.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has often spoken about Cubarsi’s maturity beyond his years. “It’s incredible to watch how well he defends,” the German manager said last season. “He’s young, only 19, but you realise how long he’s been performing at this level. We’re lucky to have him. In terms of performance, he’s right up there with Lamine Yamal.”

Such praise carries weight considering Yamal is widely viewed as one of the most gifted teenagers in football history. Yet for Spain, it’s no exaggeration—Cubarsi has arguably been even more influential, helping La Roja reach the World Cup quarter-finals while staking an early claim for the tournament’s Young Player of the Year honour.

Missing out on the Euros

When Spain coach Luis de la Fuente left the then 17-year-old Cubarsi out of his Euro 2024 squad, he insisted it wasn’t because of age. His decision seemed justified—after all, he took Yamal to Germany and started him in nearly every match. At that stage, de la Fuente believed he had four centre-backs “at a higher level.” But that’s no longer true. Few defenders at this World Cup have matched Cubarsi’s consistency and composure.

Unbeatable back five

Spain’s outstanding defensive record in North America is a collective effort. Mikel Oyarzabal leads the press from the front, and Rodri continues to dominate in front of the defence. The entire backline has been exceptional, helping Spain reach the last eight without conceding a single goal.

Marc Cucurella has justified Real Madrid’s €60 million (£51m/$68.5m) signing from Chelsea, goalkeeper Unai Simon has rewarded de la Fuente’s faith ahead of David Raya and Joan Garcia with five clean sheets, Aymeric Laporte remains rock-solid at 32, and Pedro Porro—so often criticised at Tottenham—has looked transformed in national colours.

Still, Cubarsi’s individual quality and composure deserve special recognition.

‘Era-defining player’

It’s hardly surprising that Cubarsi has looked so composed on the grandest stage. A first-team regular for Barcelona since 17, he was labelled “an era-defining player” by club legend Xavi. Former captain Carles Puyol even predicted he would be the Blaugrana’s main centre-back for the next 15 years.

Cubarsi himself insists he feels no pressure on the pitch. Yet performing with such poise at 19 in a World Cup remains extraordinary.

Perfect partnership

Defensively, Cubarsi has been flawless, forming a commanding partnership with Laporte. De la Fuente praised their chemistry: “At crucial moments, a player like Laporte brings the experience Cubarsi needs beside him, and they complement each other fantastically. We’ve found a phenomenal balance in the centre of defence.”

Beyond defending, Cubarsi adds another playmaking dimension as a La Masia graduate comfortable building from the back. Only Rodri has completed more passes for Spain at this World Cup, underlining how integral Cubarsi has become. He is one of just four players to have featured in every minute of Spain’s campaign so far.

Injury issues

Lamine Yamal’s tournament, meanwhile, has been disrupted by the hamstring injury that ended his 2025–26 season early at Barcelona and initially put his World Cup participation in doubt. The 18-year-old missed Spain’s warm-up games and managed only a 19-minute cameo in the goalless draw with Cape Verde.

He returned to start the 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in Atlanta, scoring the opener and transforming Spain’s attack. But after that, his form dipped. Despite glimpses of brilliance—particularly against Austria in the round of 32, where Spain became the first team since 1958 to start two teenagers in a knockout match—Yamal struggled again versus Portugal, finding little success against Nuno Mendes in the 1-0 win.

As a result, the highly-rated winger enters Spain’s quarter-final clash with Belgium still searching for his first World Cup assist, having created just five chances so far.

Saving the best for last?

Yamal is fully aware he hasn’t reached his usual standards yet—and he remains unfazed. “I’m very demanding of myself,” he told Mundo Deportivo. “I’m never satisfied with what I’m doing. I just need to keep playing. I was out for almost two months, so it’s not the same as when you’ve played seven matches in a row.

“Keep touching the ball, keep playing, keep adding minutes, and that big match will come. People remember moments from the knockout rounds—the round of 16, the quarter-finals onwards. That’s when I’m most motivated.

“I’ve taken things calmly to arrive here in good shape. I feel great and eager to show what we are as Spain and what I am. I’ve never been the best player in the group stage. The closer the semi-finals and final get, the better I play.”

If history repeats itself, Belgium—and every other team still in the tournament—should be wary. Yamal’s surge in form helped Spain capture Euro 2024 glory. This time, they may have found another ‘era-defining’ star—this one anchoring their defence.