Spain delivered a commanding response to their opening-game setback, thrashing Saudi Arabia 4-0 in a dominant FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H clash in Atlanta. After being held to a shock goalless draw by the Cape Verde national football team, Spain wasted no time asserting control. Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in the 10th minute, finishing from close range after being set up by Mikel Oyarzabal as Spain pinned Saudi Arabia deep inside their own half.
Oyarzabal then took centre stage, striking twice in quick succession in the 21st and 24th minutes. Both goals came from Saudi Arabia's inability to clear sustained pressure, with the Spanish forward reacting sharply inside the box to turn dominance into a three-goal cushion before the first hydration
break.
Spain could have extended their lead further before half-time, with Oyarzabal narrowly missing out on a hat-trick. He clipped the crossbar with an audacious effort and later drove a shot just wide, underlining Spain's relentless attacking intent.
There was no respite for Saudi Arabia after the break. Despite Spain withdrawing both Yamal and Oyarzabal at half-time, the pressure continued. An unfortunate moment for Hassan Altambakti in the 49th minute saw him turn the ball into his own net after Mohammed Al-Owais had parried a powerful volley from Marc Cucurella.
The victory puts Spain firmly back on track in Group H, with Luis de la Fuente's side now needing just a point against Uruguay to secure qualification for the knockout stage. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, face a must-win situation as they prepare to take on Cape Verde in their final group fixture.
A notable milestone came for Yamal, who at 18 years and 343 days became the eighth youngest goalscorer in World Cup history and Spain's second youngest after Gavi. Oyarzabal's standout display earned him the Player of the Match award, capping a near-perfect night for La Roja.
