Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia: Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal Fire Spain to the Top of Group H

Saudi Arabia and Spain entered the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta today with one goal in mind: win the match and move into first place in Group H.

Both teams began their second 2026 FIFA World Cup match with one point after their opening fixtures, which ended in Spain vs Cape Verde (0-0) and Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay (1-1).

Spain wasted no time in attempting to score, dominating possession throughout the opening six minutes. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia had little choice but to defend their half of the pitch, particularly against the threat of Lamine Yamal’s creativity.

Unlike their previous game against Cape Verde, Spain immediately focused their attacks down the right-hand side, relying heavily on Lamine Yamal. This tactic proved successful as, in just the 10th minute, Yamal scored his first World Cup goal at just 18 years old.

Saudi Arabia were caught off guard as Yamal burst into the penalty area and fired home after receiving a pass from Mikel Oyarzabal, with the goal marking his seventh for Spain.

Just ten minutes later, Spain won a corner, and Oyarzabal controlled Dani Olmo’s delivery before finishing with a delicate touch.

Saudi Arabia’s main concern was spending long periods defending as Spain kept possession and continued creating chances throughout the match.

Spain’s attacking efforts did not go to waste. Just three minutes after their second goal, Oyarzabal struck again following another assist from Olmo to make it 3-0.

Saudi Arabia continued to give their best, but against Spain’s quick movement, they found it difficult to regain possession.

After the first hydration break, Spain’s relentless pressure continued, and Saudi Arabia started showing signs of nervousness. In their attempts to defend, they repeatedly gave possession away, allowing Spain several shooting opportunities, which they took full advantage of.

There was, however, reason for optimism among Saudi Arabia supporters following the team’s performance four years ago.

Saudi Arabia exited the 2022 World Cup in the group stage after defeats to Poland and Mexico. However, their campaign was remembered for one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history as they stunned the world by defeating eventual champions Argentina.

Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Al-Dawsari turned that match around after Lionel Messi had scored an early penalty, with both players finding the net against the South American giants.

The break appeared to do little to slow Spain’s momentum as they returned for the second half with the same intensity and determination they had shown before the interval.

Despite a few changes, including the substitution of Lamine Yamal, Spain continued to dominate. Just three minutes after the restart, Marc Cucurella fired towards goal, with the ball taking a deflection off Saudi Arabia centre-back Hassan Altambakti before ending up in the net for Spain’s fourth goal.

Saudi Arabia’s defence was focused on what was directly in front of them, which ultimately allowed Cucurella the space to unleash a powerful effort that found the back of the net after taking a slight touch off Altambakti.

The final 40 minutes saw further changes for Spain, with Álex Baena and Dani Olmo replaced by Nico Williams and Mikel Merino. However, Spain’s excellent ball retention remained.

The game itself became much slower, but it did not stop Spain from continuing to create shooting opportunities.

Just after the 90-minute mark, Ferran Torres thought he had scored his fifth international goal. However, after a VAR review lasting around three minutes, the goal was ruled out for offside.

At the final whistle, loud cheers erupted as Spain secured a comfortable 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia a perfect birthday present for head coach Luis de la Fuente.

Spain now sit top of Group H with four points and are expected to face either Argentina or Austria in the Round of 32.

Saudi Arabia, however, still have a chance of reaching the knockout stages if they defeat Cape Verde in their final group match.