Pau Cubarsí shines at World Cup 2026, draws PSG interest

Nineteen‑year‑old centre‑back Pau Cubarsí has emerged as a key figure for Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Selected by coach Luis de la Fuente for every group‑stage match, the Barcelona defender was praised for his composure, ball‑retrieval ability and passing precision – completing 290 passes with a 98.3 % accuracy rate, the highest in the tournament.

Opta placed Cubarsí in its ideal XI for the first phase, alongside stars such as Messi, Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. His performances have also triggered transfer speculation, with Paris Saint‑Germain reportedly eyeing him as a future replacement for ageing defender Marquinhos. Barcelona, however, have set a €500 million release clause and a contract that runs until 2029, signalling they will not entertain offers easily.

Cubarsí’s rise comes from humble beginnings – he recalls watching past World Cups from the pool of his hometown before becoming a regular starter for both club and country. His blend of defensive solidity and forward‑playing skill suggests he could become a defining centre‑back of his generation.