Paolo Maldini’s World Cup record broken by Pau Cubarsi in France clash

Paolo Maldini’s historic FIFA World Cup appearance record fell on 18 June 2026 when Pau Cubarsi became the youngest player to reach 20 World Cup games.

Spain beat France 2-0 in their opening Group B fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Berlin. The win saw Cubarsi, 21, make his 20th World Cup appearance: one more than Maldini’s previous record of 19 set at France 1998.

Maldini’s record had stood for 28 years after he set it at the 1998 tournament in France. The Italian legend made 19 appearances across four World Cups from 1990 to 1998. Cubarsi’s milestone marks the first time a player has broken Maldini’s mark.

Cubarsi entered the game against France as Spain’s starting centre-back. He played the full 90 minutes in a clean-sheet performance. The record was confirmed in the 72nd minute when he made his 20th appearance: one more than Maldini’s total.

Cubarsi could extend his record if Spain progress deep into the tournament. Maldini, now 58, remains an icon of longevity but has no active role in modern World Cups. The record’s fall highlights the shift toward younger, more durable centre-backs in elite football.