Yamal, Cubarsi join Pele, Mbappé in exclusive World Cup record

Spain’s teenage stars, Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, etched their names into FIFA World Cup history on Sunday after joining an exclusive list of teenage players to start a World Cup final and lift the coveted trophy.

The duo achieved the feat as Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, securing the nation’s second World Cup title.

Ferran Torres emerged as the match winner, scoring the decisive goal in extra time after both sides failed to break the deadlock during regulation time.

According to football statistics platform Opta, both Yamal and Cubarsí, aged 19, became only the fourth and fifth teenagers in history to start a FIFA World Cup final and finish the tournament as world champions.

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Their achievement places them alongside some of football’s greatest names, including the legendary Pelé, who won the World Cup with Brazil in 1958 at just 17 years and 249 days old.

Also on the elite list are former Italy defender Giuseppe Bergomi, who lifted the trophy at the 1982 World Cup aged 18 years and 201 days, and France superstar Kylian Mbappé, who achieved the milestone during France’s triumphant 2018 World Cup campaign at 19 years and 207 days.

The latest milestone further highlights the remarkable rise of Yamal and Cubarsí, who have become key figures in Spain’s new generation and played pivotal roles throughout the country’s successful 2026 World Cup campaign.