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

Spain opened their World Cup campaign with a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia at the Atlanta Stadium on 21 June 2026. Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal each scored twice as La Roja recovered from a disappointing 0-0 draw against Cape Verde. Yamal broke the deadlock after 10 minutes, capitalising on a defensive error to slot home from close range. Oyarzabal doubled the lead 11 minutes later, converting a cut-back from Porro at the near post. The third goal arrived in the 24th minute when Oyarzabal pounced on a rebound after a corner was cleared only as far as Cucurella. A fourth followed in the 49th minute when Hassan Al-Tambakti diverted a Cucurella cross into his own net under pressure from Oyarzabal. The Saudi defence struggled throughout, conceding five clear chances in the first half alone. Spain’s dominance was reflected in the scoreline, with Oyarzabal completing a brace and Yamal adding an assist. Saudi Arabia’s only highlight came when Salem Al-Dawsari received a yellow card in the 30th minute for a foul on Porro.

Lamine Yamal scores early as Spain beat Saudi Arabia

Luis de la Fuente made six changes to the side that drew with Cape Verde, including a recall for Yamal. The Spanish coach had emphasised the need for a win after the opening match disappointment. "We must win," he stated ahead of kick-off. "We are not nervous or afraid. We are a little shocked by the criticism after the opening match, but maybe that motivates us." The victory keeps Spain level on points with Uruguay and Cape Verde in Group H. Oyarzabal’s performance earned particular praise, with the forward involved in all four goals either directly or indirectly. Saudi Arabia, under new coach Georgios Donis, failed to register a single shot on target and ended the match with just 27% possession. Their only clear chance came in the seventh minute when Al-Dawsari’s effort was comfortably saved by Spain goalkeeper Pau Simon.

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

Spain’s next match is against Uruguay on 25 June 2026, with both teams now knowing a draw would secure progression to the knockout stages. Luis de la Fuente: "A good match without injuries would be the best possible gift for my 65th birthday. And hopefully we can win."