Pau Cubarsí
BAR
Begins preseason at Barcelona
Cubarsi is back with Barcelona's squad to kick off preseason after winning the World Cup with Spain, the club announced.
Analysis: Cubarsi conceded just one goal across eight appearances during the tournament, adding eight tackles and five interceptions, numbers that echo his steady club form as a defensive cornerstone for Barcelona last season, playing 31 LaLiga matches as a composed young center back in Flick's title winning side. Coming off a strong World Cup showing, he continues to develop into one of the league's better young defenders. Cubarsi is expected to build toward full fitness as preseason continues.
Solid performance in WC finale
Cubarsi had one shot (one on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 1-0 win against Argentina.
Analysis: Cubarsi led his team with 121 accurate passes and six clearances while making an all-around impact and occasionally advancing a little from his center-back position during Sunday's clash. He was named the best young player of the competition, earning a well deserved reward for his contribution to Spain's seven clean sheets over eight matches. Cubarsi's consistency and achievements with both Barcelona and the national team make him a top defensive option for the upcoming club season.
Defends well in victory
Cubarsi recorded two tackles (two won) and four clearances in Tuesday's 2-0 win versus France.
Analysis: Cubarsi made a decisive impact by recording a last-man tackle in addition to his joint game-high count of four clearances during the first World Cup semifinal. The young center-back only lacked passing output, with his 29 accurate passes falling well short of his average of 78.6 per contest, but his performance was otherwise consistent with previous matches. The clean sheet increased his total to six over seven full games played, making him a reliable option ahead of the final clash.
Five clearances in win
Pau Cubarsi recorded one shot (one on goal) and two chances created in Friday's 2-1 win over Belgium. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 43rd minute.
Analysis: The five clearances matched a personal-high mark for the Barcelona defender, and he also attempted a shot for the third time in his six starts. Cubarsi is averaging 3.5 clearances per game in the World Cup and should keep his place in the XI for the semifinal match against France on Tuesday.
Notches two clearances
Cubarsi had two clearances in Monday's 1-0 victory versus Portugal.
Analysis: Cubarsi would help to yet another clean sheet for Spain, recording two clearances in the defense on their way to a fifth straight clean sheet. He would also complete 71 passes, needing to be more of the backboard in the defense with Aymeric Laporte constantly with a Portugal player at his shoulder. Cubarsi is yet to leave the field this World Cup and should remain in this role for the quarterfinals.
Five clearances in comfortable win
Pau Cubarsi generated one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created in Thursday's 3-0 victory against Austria. He also added five clearances, two tackles and one blocked shot.
Analysis: Cubarsi recorded at least five clearances for a second consecutive contest, and his partnership next to Aymeric Laporte at center-back has been perfect as Spain have yet to concede a goal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Barcelona defender should stay in the lineup for the Round of 16 regardless of the opponent, as there's no reason for Spain to tweak things on the defensive end.
Records five clearance
Cubarsi recorded one shot (zero on goal) in Friday's 1-0 win over Uruguay.
Analysis: Cubarsi would see the start once again Friday, having yet to leave the field for Spain at the World Cup. He would see a decent match in the defense that would lead to a clean sheet, notching five clearances. He also continues to see plenty of touches as Spain controls possession, with over 80 passes completed in all three games.
Records three clearances
Cubarsi recorded one tackle, two interceptions and three clearances in Sunday's 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
Analysis: Cubarsi would stand tall in the defense Sunday as he helped Spain to a clean sheet, earning a few defensive contributions on the way. The young center-back has not come off the field this World Cup and appears to be an everyday starter for the team, unlikely to fall out of a starting role this tournament.
Set to start in defense
Cubarsi has been named in Spain's World Cup squad and is expected to form the first-choice central defensive partnership alongside Aymeric Laporte throughout the competition.
Analysis: Cubarsi ended an extraordinary season at just 19 years old, making 48 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona and contributing one goal as part of a La Liga title-winning side that conceded just 28 goals throughout the campaign. The teenage center-back brings composure on the ball, aerial ability and a maturity completely uncharacteristic of his age, having already established himself as one of the best defenders in world football despite still being a teenager. Cubarsi heads into the World Cup as one of the most exciting young players in the tournament and a potential cornerstone of Spain's defensive line for the next decade.
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