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FIFA chooses Pau Cubarsí Best Young Player of the 2026 World Cup — it wasn’t Lamine
According to Championat.
Why this matters
The election of Pau Cubarsí as Best Young Player of the 2026 World Cup highlights the importance of young talent in the Spanish National Team, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching. His solid performance was crucial for the team's defense, which only conceded one goal throughout the tournament, reflecting excellent collective work. This recognition could boost your career and that of other young players, highlighting the new generation of talent in Spanish football.
Main conclusions
- FIFA chooses Pau Cubarsí as the Best Young Player of the 2026 World Cup — it wasn’t Lamine.
- Pau Cubarsí, central defender of the Spain national team, was named Best Young Player of the 2026 World Cup by FIFA.
- Назван лучший молодой игрок ЧМ-2026. Это не Ламин Ямаль.
FIFA announced Pau Cubarsí, central defender of the Spain national team, as the Best Young Player of the 2026 World Cup. The distinction comes in the aftermath of the final in which “La Roja” beat Argentina 1-0, securing the second world title in its history, 16 years after the 2010 victory, then against the Netherlands (1-0 after extra time).
In a competition marked by the new format with 48 teams and a longer path to the decision, Cubarsí was one of the pillars of the world champion. The central defender played in Spain's eight games throughout the tournament and, despite not having scored any goals or assists, his influence was evident in the defensive solidity of Luis de la Fuente's team: the Spanish team conceded just one goal in the entire competition, a remarkable record that helped build their victorious path to the final.
The tournament's Best Young Player award recognizes the impact and competitive maturity of emerging athletes on world football's biggest stage. In a team full of rising talent, Lamine Yamal was also in evidence during the World Cup, but FIFA's choice fell on the central defender, whose consistency and reading of the game were decisive for the balance of “Fúria Roja” in key moments.
The 1-0 victory over Argentina closed a perfect month for Spain, which once again lifted the world cup, repeating the feat of 2010. The South American team, defending champions at the start of the competition, conceded their status and left 2026 with silver medals, in an outcome that underlines the tournament's great competitive level.
With the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams, the 2026 edition required the finalists to play a sequence of eight matches — three in the group stage and five in the knockouts — until the decisive game. In this context, Spain's defensive regularity was a differentiating factor and helps explain the individual distinction attributed to Cubarsí. Consistency at the back allowed the world champion to manage short advantages and control pace, attributes valued throughout the competition.
For Spain, the award to Pau Cubarsí represents not only recognition of the young central defender's individual performance, but also a sign of confidence in the new generation that supports the present and future of the team. In memory remains a World Cup in which “La Roja” once again reigned and in which defensive firmness, symbolized in the tournament's Best Young Player, was as decisive as offensive talent.
What happens next
With the victory over Argentina, the Spanish team not only became world champions for the second time, but also established a new standard for their performance in future competitions. The team is now preparing for the next qualifying cycle for the 2026 World Cup, where the continuity of Luis de la Fuente's work will be fundamental. The focus will be on maintaining defensive solidity and integrating new talents, like Cubarsí, in the search for more international success.
Frequently asked questions
Who was named Best Young Player at the 2026 World Cup?
Pau Cubarsí, central defender of the Spain national team, was named the Best Young Player of the 2026 World Cup.
What was the result of the final between Spain and Argentina?
The final between Spain and Argentina ended with Spain winning 1-0.
How did Spain's victory in the final impact the World Cup table?
With the victory, Spain won the second world title in its history, repeating the feat of 2010.
How many goals did the Spanish team concede during the
Do you have the 2026 World Cup?
The Spanish team conceded just one goal throughout the competition.
What is the Spanish team's next game after the 2026 World Cup?
The article does not mention the Spanish team's next game after the 2026 World Cup.