Pau Cubarsi reveals instinctive decision behind Spain’s World Cup final triumph

Pau Cubarsi says he had no time to think during the decisive moment that helped Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 World Cup final, with the Barcelona defender choosing to “throw himself at the ball and leave it to chance”.

Cubarsi reacted in added time of extra time to deny Marcos Senesi at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, preserving Spain’s lead and helping the national team secure the world title.

The 19-year-old, who has established himself as a key player for both Spain and Barcelona, recalled the incident in an interview with The Athletic, as reported by Cadena SER.

The move began when Lionel Messi carried the ball towards the edge of Spain’s penalty area. Senesi then ran into the space behind the Spanish defence, with Cubarsi noticing a dangerous gap between himself and Mikel Merino.

“When the ball did not go into the net, I breathed a sigh of relief,” Cubarsi said. “The first thing I thought was: ‘OK, there is one attack left. I have to defend it before I become world champion.’”

He added: “I knew I had to jump towards him with all my strength and leave it to chance.”

Cubarsi managed to clear the ball before falling to the ground exhausted. He kept his head down on the turf and did not look behind him until he was certain the ball had not crossed the line, only then beginning to understand the importance of his intervention.

Spain’s players celebrated together after the final whistle, but Cubarsi received another surprise when he was named the tournament’s best young player.

“I was stunned,” he said. “I knew I had a chance because only a few young players reach a World Cup final, but my only aim was to give my best and help Spain win the title.”

Family support and life away from football

Cubarsi also spoke about the sacrifices made by his family and the pride he feels at being able to improve his parents’ lives.

“My father no longer works in the family business, so he can now attend matches with me and enjoy life,” he said. “Contributing to their retirement, as their son, fills me with pride. We can enjoy this life together because if I have reached where I am now, it is because of their sacrifices.”

The family business continues under the supervision of his uncle and cousin.

Away from football, Cubarsi said he enjoys cars and regularly follows new models. However, his parents do not believe he should drive an expensive vehicle at his age.

“I love cars and look at the new models from time to time, but my parents do not like the idea of me driving a luxury car when I am only 19,” he said with a laugh. “They told me to wait a little, until I mature and gain more experience.”

Cubarsi also identified former Barcelona defenders Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique as his main inspirations. He admires Pique’s influence in building play, while valuing Puyol’s mentality and character, saying he appreciates “both styles” the uncompromising defender and the technically gifted one.