Pau Cubarsi has quickly become a pivotal figure for the Spanish national team at the World Cup 2026, especially as his teammate Lamine Yamal struggles to regain form after an injury. While Yamal is still finding his footing, Cubarsi has established himself as a reliable and impressive defender, showcasing his skills on the global stage.

Just over a year ago, Cubarsi was left off the roster for the Euro 2024 tournament, a decision made by coach Luis de la Fuente, who believed that at that time, there were four defenders of higher caliber. However, the landscape has dramatically shifted since then. Now, at the age of 19, Cubarsi is not only Spain's first-choice defender but also one of the most consistent center-backs in the tournament.

His performance has drawn praise from notable figures, including Germany's coach Hansi Flick, who expressed amazement at Cubarsi's defensive capabilities. Flick remarked on how remarkable it is to see such a young player perform at this level, emphasizing that Spain is fortunate to have him. In fact, Cubarsi's impact at the World Cup has been significant, even surpassing that of his more famous teammate, Yamal.

Spain boasts one of the most impressive defenses in the tournament, having not conceded a single goal in five matches, which has propelled them into the quarterfinals. This defensive success is attributed to a well-coordinated system, with players like Mikel Oyarzabal applying pressure upfront, and Rodri providing solid cover in front of the backline. Goalkeeper Unai Simon has also maintained an outstanding performance, keeping a clean sheet in all five games.

Despite this collective effort, Cubarsi stands out as a key player. A product of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, he has made very few defensive errors and has also contributed to the team's build-up play. Before the quarterfinals, only Rodri had completed more passes than Cubarsi among the Spanish players, and he is one of only four players to have played every minute of the tournament so far.

In contrast, Lamine Yamal has yet to find his best form. The 18-year-old’s season was cut short due to a hamstring injury, which has affected his preparation for the World Cup. He has had limited playing time, including a brief appearance against Cape Verde and a goal in the match against Saudi Arabia. However, he struggled in subsequent games, particularly against Portugal, where he was effectively neutralized.

As Spain looks ahead to their next match against Belgium, the hope remains that Yamal can ignite his performance. Nonetheless, it is clear that Pau Cubarsi has stepped out of Yamal's shadow, becoming a symbol of strength and stability for the Spanish defense.