From Olympic gold to the World Cup: 4 starters in Paris, aiming for a star in New Jersey

Spain's national football team is chasing a second World Cup star, with five players from the Olympic gold medal-winning squad that triumphed in Paris less than two years ago now part of the quest for global glory.

The team that secured Olympic gold in Paris on August 9, 2024, by defeating France 3-5, included Eric García, Marc Pubill, Pau Cubarsí, and Álex Baena as starters in the final. Joan García was also part of the Olympic squad but did not play due to a back issue.

Spain's World Cup squad is notably young, with an average age of 26.8 years, making it the fifth youngest in the tournament. This youthfulness reflects a continuity of talent from successful junior teams.

Among the Olympic champions, Pau Cubarsí continues to achieve milestones at a young age, earning a starting role in the World Cup defense despite not being part of the typical age group for the Paris Olympics. Álex Baena is also poised to be a starter in the opening match against Cape Verde on June 15, potentially playing on the left wing. Eric García and Marc Pubill are expected to be options from the bench, with García making his second World Cup appearance.