Spain were crowned world champions for the second time in their history, thanks to an unprecedented defensive solidity.

The Spanish team conceded just one goal across their eight matches – the lowest tally for a winning side in the tournament’s history.

One of the cornerstones of this defensive structure was Pau Cubarsí. At just 19 years of age, he displayed the composure of a seasoned centre-back.

The FC Barcelona player, a two-time nominee for the Kopa Trophy, put in a performance worthy of the world’s elite and established himself as one of the best centre-backs at the World Cup.

However, beyond his defensive solidity, Cubarsí also stood out for a characteristic not typically associated with his position on the pitch.

To the surprise of many, the young centre-back was the player with the second-highest number of accurate passes in the entire 2026 World Cup.

Players with the most accurate passes at the 2026 World Cup:

  • 756 – Rodri (Spain)

  • 671 – Pau Cubarsí (Spain)

  • 616 – Aymeric Laporte (Spain)

  • 531 – Leandro Paredes (Argentina)

  • 513 – Marc Guéhi

These statistics show that Spain never strayed from its philosophy of ball possession and that the centre-backs were key to building up play.

In this regard, Cubarsí played a vital role, both defensively and in terms of creating play. An indispensable role for Luis de la Fuente.

A tournament of historic statistics

Alongside the experience of Aymeric Laporte, Cubarsí was one of the key players in keeping seven clean sheets in eight matches.

His precision in bringing the ball out of defence and his defensive contributions resulted in statistics that very few others in the competition could match.

Pau Cubarsí’s statistics at the 2026 World Cup:

  • 776 touches

  • 671 successful passes

  • 96% passing accuracy

  • 38 defensive contributions

  • 31 clearances

  • 14 aerial duels won

  • 8 successful tackles

  • 8 chances created

  • 13 accurate long balls

A masterclass in the final against Argentina

In the decisive title-deciding match, the young centre-back put in an impeccable performance to neutralise the opposition’s attack, as Argentina were unable to create any dangerous chances.

In this regard, Cubarsí was the player with the most touches in the match, thanks to his 139 touches and 121 passes with a 96 per cent success rate, as well as 21 through balls.

Defensively, he made six clearances, including a miraculous save in extra time to deny Argentina’s only clear-cut chance of the entire match.

A legendary track record at 19

By winning the 2026 World Cup, Pau Cubarsí has cemented an impressive start to his career in modern football.

At just 19 years of age, his trophy cabinet already includes:

  • 1x World Cup

  • 1x Olympic gold

  • 2x Spanish League titles

  • 1x Copa del Rey

  • 2x Spanish Super Cups

Present and future

Pau Cubarsí proved at this World Cup that youth is no barrier to leading the defence of a championship-winning national team.

His ability to anticipate, distribute the ball with precision and make the right decisions in tight situations was one of Spain’s key strengths at the World Cup.

This performance undoubtedly shows that there is no limit to Pau Cubarsí’s career.

How far will the young centre-back go?

An impressive present and a future full of promise...