Pau Torres

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Pau Torres, the Aston Villa and Spain international defender, is currently navigating a calf injury as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches. Despite recent injury setbacks, his strong performances for Aston Villa and his ball-playing ability position him as a strong contender for a spot in Spain's squad for the tournament.

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As of late December 2025, Pau Torres is sidelined with a calf injury. He is expected to return to action in early January 2026, having been ruled out for Aston Villa's match against Arsenal on December 30, 2025. This follows an earlier recovery from a metatarsal fracture that kept him out from December 2024 to March 2025.

2024-2025 Season Analysis

Prior to his current injury, Torres enjoyed a robust 2024-2025 season with Aston Villa. He demonstrated a calm demeanor under pressure and showcased elite passing from the back, playing a pivotal role in Unai Emery's system. His contributions extended to European competition, where he registered two assists and helped secure four clean sheets in nine UEFA Champions League appearances. His consistent form and ability to effectively build play from defense make him a valuable asset for both his club and national team.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Prospects

Pau Torres is widely considered a strong candidate for the Spain national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite being surprisingly omitted from the first-choice lineup in the 2022 tournament. At 28 years old (born January 1997), he is in the prime of his career, bringing a blend of experience and technical skill to the central defense.

The Spanish national team is currently undergoing a period of transition, integrating a new generation of talented players. This presents both an opportunity and a challenge for Torres. Spain boasts a wealth of quality options in defense, and competition for a starting role will be intense. Key competitors for central defensive positions include emerging young stars like Dean Huijsen and Pau Cubarsi, as well as established players such as Robin Le Normand and Aymeric Laporte, who is expected to be an elder statesman in the defense.

Torres's ability to "break lines with the ball" and maintain composure in tight spaces, as observed during his 2024-2025 season, aligns well with Spain's possession-based style of play. If he can maintain fitness and consistent high-level performance for Aston Villa, and continue to impress national team coach Luis de la Fuente, he has a strong chance not only of making the squad but also vying for a starting position in Spain's pursuit of World Cup glory. His return to full fitness in early 2026 will be crucial for him to regain momentum and solidify his place in the national team picture.