ATLANTA, June 21, 2026 — Spain delivered a commanding performance to kickstart their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, thrashing Saudi Arabia 4-0 at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Group H.
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in the 10th minute with his first-ever World Cup goal, marking an immediate impact on his return to the starting lineup. The 18-year-old, who beat Lionel Messi’s record as the youngest player to score his nation’s first World Cup goal by 14 days, set the tone for a dominant La Roja display.
Mikel Oyarzabal then took center stage with a quickfire brace. He added the second goal in the 21st minute and made it 3-0 just three minutes later in the 24th minute, putting Spain firmly in control by halftime.
Saudi Arabia’s misery continued after the break when defender Hassan Al-Tambakti turned the ball into his own net in the 49th minute, completing the rout.
The European champions, who were held to a surprising 0-0 draw by debutants Cape Verde in their opening match, responded emphatically. They dominated possession (around 65%) and created numerous chances, while Saudi Arabia struggled to pose a threat despite their respectable 1-1 draw against Uruguay earlier in the group stage.
This victory propels Spain to the top of Group H with four points, boosting their knockout-stage prospects. For Saudi Arabia, it marks a heavy defeat and a tough blow in their campaign.
Key Highlights:
- Yamal’s clinical finish showcased his composure and talent on the big stage.
- Oyarzabal’s double highlighted Spain’s attacking fluidity and clinical edge.
- A solid defensive showing kept a clean sheet for La Roja.
Spain will look to build on this momentum in their remaining group fixtures, while Saudi Arabia must regroup quickly to keep their World Cup hopes alive. The match was played in front of a vibrant crowd of over 68,000 at the iconic venue.
Full extended highlights and match statistics are available on FIFA’s official platforms and major broadcasters.
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