Pau Cubarsí
Spain defender whose shot was spilled by Belgium's goalkeeper for Merino's winner.
Last refreshed: 11 July 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
How did Pau Cubarsí's shot lead to Spain's winning goal against Belgium?
Timeline for Pau Cubarsí
Fired the shot that Senne Lammens spilled into Merino's path
2026 FIFA World Cup: Merino winner sends Spain past BelgiumWho set up Mikel Merino's winning goal against Belgium?
What club does Pau Cubarsí play for?
Background
Pau Cubarsí's shot was spilled by Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens in the 88th minute, falling to substitute Mikel Merino to score the winner in Spain's 2-1 World Cup quarter-final victory.
Cubarsí is a centre-back who broke into Barcelona's first team as a teenager during the 2023-24 season, quickly establishing himself as a first-choice defender under successive coaches for his composure in possession and reading of the game. He made his senior debut for Spain in 2024 and has since become a regular fixture in the national side's back line.
His emergence has been treated as one of the more significant defensive breakthroughs in Spanish football in recent seasons, and his contribution to Merino's winner against Belgium underlined a willingness to contribute at both ends of the pitch even from a defensive position.
