Spain defender Pau Cubarsí has been named the FIFA Best Young Player of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a sensational tournament that saw the teenager play a pivotal role in La Roja’s title-winning campaign
The 19-year-old Barcelona centre-back edged several high-profile contenders for the award, including Spain teammate Lamine Yamal, after producing a series of commanding performances at the heart of the champions’ defence.
Cubarsí was one of the standout defenders of the tournament, helping Spain establish one of the strongest defensive records in World Cup history.
Across his seven appearances, he recorded 38 defensive actions, including 25 clearances and 24 ball recoveries, while also showcasing remarkable composure in possession with a 96 percent pass completion rate.
The young defender played a key role in Spain keeping six clean sheets during the tournament and became the fastest player in FIFA World Cup history to register five clean sheets, surpassing the previous record held by Italian legend Paolo Maldini.
Cubarsí’s maturity, leadership and consistency belied his age as he helped marshal Spain’s backline throughout the competition, culminating in a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
His performances earned him the tournament’s Best Young Player award, adding another individual honour to Spain’s dominant World Cup campaign.
2026 FIFA World Cup individual awards
Golden Ball: Rodri (Spain)
Golden Boot: Kylian Mbappé (France) – 10 goals
Golden Glove:Unai Simón (Spain)
Spain claimed three of the tournament’s four major individual awards, underlining their dominance on the road to lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy.
Source: African.football
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