Lamine Yamal scores early as Spain beat Saudi Arabia

Lamine Yamal needed just ten minutes to find the back of the net on his first World Cup start, giving Spain the lead against Saudi Arabia. In doing so he became only the second player aged 18 or younger to open the scoring in a World Cup match, after Pelé in 1958. Spain opened the tournament with a 0‑0 draw against Cabo Verde, a result described as disappointing. The stalemate left the team under pressure ahead of their second group match. Coach Luis de la Fuente emphasized the need for a strong start against Saudi Arabia. His side responded with intensity from the first whistle.

Spain crush Saudi Arabia with four goals to revive World Cup hopes

Ten minutes into the game, Lamine Yamal received a dangerous ball across the face of goal and turned it into the net at the back post. The strike gave Spain the lead in their first World Cup start. Yamal became only the second player aged 18 or younger to open the scoring in a World Cup match. The first was 17‑year‑old Pelé, who netted for Brazil against Wales in 1958.

Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia: Yamal and Oyarzabal dominate at World Cup

Ten minutes later, Mikel Oyarzabal added a quickfire double, securing Spain's second and third goals. His brace cemented the team's early dominance. Spain demonstrated a prolific attacking edge, showing they are not lacking for goals. After a slow start to the tournament, the team now appears fully arrived.