Atlanta, June 21, 2026 — Spain put their stuttering start to the World Cup behind them on Sunday, thrashing Saudi Arabia 4-0 in a one-sided Group H clash at Atlanta Stadium that lifted them to the top of the table.
Eighteen-year-old Lamine Yamal opened the scoring inside ten minutes, sliding in at the far post to convert a low cross from Mikel Oyarzabal. It was his first goal in 27 international appearances for Spain and his first at a World Cup, making him only the second player aged 18 or under to open the scoring in a World Cup match — the first since Pele did so at 17 in 1958.
Oyarzabal then turned provider into scorer, doubling Spain’s lead in the 21st minute and adding a third just three minutes later. With three goals inside the first 13 minutes, the game was effectively decided before half-time, and head coach Luis de la Fuente withdrew both Yamal and Oyarzabal before the second half began.
A response after Cape Verde
The win was a marked turnaround from Spain’s opening match, a goalless draw with Cape Verde in which goalkeeper Vozinha produced a string of saves to deny the European champions. That result had raised early doubts about a Spain side many had installed among the tournament favourites.
Yamal played only a substitute’s role in that game, entering in the 71st minute as he continued managing a hamstring problem picked up at Barcelona in April. He had been cautious in the build-up to the Saudi Arabia match about being rushed back to full fitness, saying it was too soon to expect him to play a complete 90 minutes. De la Fuente named him in the starting line-up regardless, with reports suggesting the plan was for him to play around an hour before coming off.
Spain lined up with Unai Simón in goal; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella across the back four; Pedri and Rodri anchoring midfield; and an attacking trio of Alex Baena, Yamal and Dani Olmo supporting lone striker Oyarzabal.
Group H now wide open
Saudi Arabia, who had opened their campaign with a draw against Uruguay, struggled to contain Spain’s width down the flanks, with Yamal and Cucurella repeatedly exploiting space in behind their defence.
The victory moves Spain top of Group H on four points, level with the group’s other unbeaten side, with the final round of group matches set to decide who joins them in the knockout stages.
This report draws on coverage from ESPN, France 24, Heavy.com, Fox Sports and World Soccer Talk.
