While Lamine Yamal has captured most of the headlines at the FIFA World Cup 2026, another Barcelona teenager has been equally — if not more — decisive for Spain. Pau Cubarsi, the 19-year-old centre-back, delivered a defensive masterclass in the semi-final as Spain dismantled France 2-0, extending their remarkable record to six clean sheets in seven matches at this tournament.

The assumption was that facing Kylian Mbappe and France's formidable attack would test Cubarsi to his limits. Instead, he was composed and commanding throughout, winning his duels, making more clearances than any other player on the pitch, and suffocating the man widely regarded as the world's most dangerous forward.

A future legend, according to Oscar Garcia

Former Barcelona player Oscar Garcia has watched Cubarsi's development with particular attention — and his verdict carries weight. "It is difficult in the youth department for people to talk about you," Garcia told Sky Sports. "Normally, they will talk about a Lamine Yamal, a Lionel Messi, these kind of players. Not a centre-back. But for me, Cubarsi is fantastic."

Garcia went further still. "I am sure he will be one of the top five centre-backs in history," he said — a declaration that may have seemed extravagant before this tournament but feels increasingly credible with every passing game.

More than just a stopper

What sets Cubarsi apart is the completeness of his game. Only Rodri surpassed him in total passes at the World Cup heading into the semi-final, and his pass completion rate across the tournament stands at 96.2 per cent. No player has played more passes into the opposition half, and only a handful — Lionel Messi and Michael Olise among them — have registered more through-balls.

Lamine Yamal has publicly named Cubarsi as one of the three best ball-playing defenders on the planet. That quality was on show against France, and it was Cubarsi's shot in the quarter-final against Belgium that was spilled by Senne Lammens to create the winning goal.

"He is really young, but he is very good in the build-up because the first pass by him, it is always fantastic," Garcia explained. "He eliminates a lot of players from the opposition and does not miss the passes."

Pace, positioning, and maturity beyond his years

Cubarsi is not the tallest centre-back in this competition, but his pace and reading of the game more than compensate. He has sprung the offside trap successfully more times than any other player at this World Cup — a detail that speaks to his tactical intelligence. "In those one-on-one situations, he is really strong — and clever," Garcia noted.

Playing behind Barcelona's famously high defensive line has accelerated his development but also increased his exposure to risk. A red card against Atletico Madrid in April, which contributed to Barcelona's UEFA Champions League exit, served as a reminder that the learning curve remains steep even for the most gifted. "To play as a centre-back at his age, for the big teams, it is the most difficult position," Garcia acknowledged.

Yet Cubarsi's response has been to grow. He made his LaLiga debut before his 17th birthday and has now made well over 100 appearances for Barcelona. Manager Hansi Flick has made him a fixture in the starting lineup, and Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has done the same.

One game from history

Only four players in history have started and won a World Cup final. Should Spain claim the trophy on Sunday, Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal would increase that number by 50 per cent — a staggering thought for two teenagers still at the very beginning of their careers.

"Everybody talks about Lamine Yamal and he is obviously a fantastic, decisive player," Garcia concluded. "But, for me, Cubarsi is key."