Barcelona teenagers Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí have earned places among the youngest players ever to win the FIFA World Cup after playing key roles in Spain’s historic triumph at the 2026 tournament in North America.
Following the conclusion of the competition, FIFA’s updated ranking of the youngest World Cup champions placed Yamal fourth on the all-time list. The winger became a world champion at the age of 19 years and six days after featuring in all eight of Spain’s matches during their title-winning campaign.
Cubarsí, who was named the tournament’s Best Young Player, also made the ranking, occupying seventh position. The defender was 19 years and 178 days old when he lifted the trophy after helping Spain record seven clean sheets throughout the competition.
Brazil legend Pelé still holds the record as the youngest player to win the World Cup. He achieved the feat at 17 years and 249 days during Brazil’s first of three tournament victories. His compatriot Ronaldo follows closely, having won the title at 17 years and 298 days.
Italy’s Giuseppe Bergomi, who was 18 years and 174 days old when he became a champion, sits third on the list, while Brazil’s Coutinho shares the same winning age as Yamal — 19 years and six days — to complete the top five.
Top 20 youngest FIFA World Cup winners
1. Pelé — 17 years and 249 days
2. Ronaldo — 17 years and 298 days
3. Giuseppe Bergomi — 18 years and 174 days
4. Coutinho — 19 years and six days
5. Lamine Yamal — 19 years and six days
6. Marco Antonio — 19 years and 135 days
7. Pau Cubarsí — 19 years and 178 days
8. Kylian Mbappé — 19 years and 207 days
9. Mazzola — 19 years and 309 days
10. Ruben Morán — 19 years and 344 days
11. Felice Borel — 20 years and 66 days
12. Kaká — 20 years and 69 days
13. Matthias Ginter — 20 years and 175 days
14. Luis Islas — 20 years and 189 days
15. Clodoaldo — 20 years and 268 days
16. David Trezeguet — 20 years and 270 days
17. Julian Draxler — 20 years and 296 days
18. Edu — 20 years and 319 days
19. Thierry Henry — 20 years and 329 days
20. Uli Biesinger — 20 years and 332 days
Spain’s latest World Cup success has therefore added two young Barcelona talents to football history, with Yamal and Cubarsí joining an exclusive group of players who lifted the biggest prize in international football before turning 20.
