Cubarsí: Leap into the Future

Pau Cubarsí, the 19-year-old Spanish center-back, has been named the best young player of the 2026 World Cup after a standout performance in the final against Argentina. He made a crucial goal-line clearance in the dying minutes and recorded a 96% pass accuracy (121 passes). Throughout the knockout stages, he ranked second in quick recoveries (21), led all center-backs in dribbles (60), and completed 362 of 387 passes. His partnership with Aymeric Laporte was key to Spain's defensive structure. Cubarsí, who plays for Barcelona under Hansi Flick, has already played 128 matches for the club and 20 for the national team. He ends the season as the most minutes played among World Cup players aged 21 or under, with nearly 5,200 minutes.

First published Aug 4, 02:51 PM UTCUpdated Jul 21, 03:56 PM UTC1 reports · 1 sources

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Cubarsí: Leap into the Future

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Cubarsí: Leap into the FutureFútbol en AS.comWesternJul 21, 03:56 PM UTC

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Hansi Flick Spain Argentina FC Barcelona MetLife Stadium New York Barcelona