Spain crush Saudi Arabia 4-0 as Lamine Yamal sets World Cup record
Spain produced one of their most complete performances of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a commanding 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, inspired by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and a clinical display from Mikel Oyarzabal.
After being frustrated in a goalless draw against Cape Verde in their opening Group H fixture, Luis de la Fuente's side responded emphatically to claim their first victory of the tournament and move to the top of the standings.
Yamal announces himself on the world stage
Having impressed from the bench in Spain's tournament opener, Lamine Yamal was handed his first World Cup start and immediately justified his selection.
The Barcelona starlet opened the scoring after just 10 minutes, arriving at the far post to convert Mikel Oyarzabal's dangerous low delivery after Saudi Arabia failed to clear their lines.
The goal was historic.
Yamal became only the second player aged 18 or younger to score the opening goal in a FIFA World Cup match, joining Brazilian legend Pelé, who achieved the feat during the 1958 tournament. The strike also highlighted why many already regard the young winger as one of world football's brightest emerging talents.
Oyarzabal punishes Saudi Arabia
Spain continued to dominate possession and attacking territory after taking the lead. Their pressure was rewarded midway through the first half when Oyarzabal doubled the advantage after Saudi Arabia failed to deal with a corner.
Only three minutes later, the Real Sociedad forward struck again, sweeping home Dani Olmo's clever flick to give Spain complete control before halftime.
Oyarzabal nearly completed a first-half hat-trick after intercepting a loose pass from goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais, but his effort crashed against the crossbar.
Own goal completes comfortable victory
Spain showed no signs of easing off after the interval. Marc Cucurella forced another save shortly after the restart, but the rebound ricocheted off Saudi defender Hassan Al Tambakti and into the net for Spain's fourth goal.
The own goal effectively ended any hopes of a Saudi comeback.
Although Ferran Torres later had a goal ruled out for offside following a lengthy VAR review, Spain comfortably managed the remainder of the contest while maintaining control of possession.
Saudi Arabia managed only one shot on target throughout the match as Spain's defence remained largely untroubled.
Spain find their rhythm
The performance represented a major improvement from Spain's opening match. The midfield trio dictated possession, Dani Olmo constantly found pockets of space, while Yamal and Oyarzabal stretched Saudi Arabia's defence throughout the evening.
Spain created numerous clear-cut opportunities and looked far more fluid in attack, registering wave after wave of pressure that the Saudi defence struggled to contain.
Their intensity, movement and quick passing combinations resembled the form that helped them lift the UEFA European Championship and reaffirmed their credentials as genuine World Cup contenders.
Group H Picture
The victory lifts Spain to four points and top spot in Group H heading into the final round of fixtures. A positive result against Uruguay would guarantee qualification for the knockout rounds and potentially secure first place in the group.
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, now face a must-win encounter against Cape Verde if they hope to keep their World Cup campaign alive. With confidence restored and Lamine Yamal continuing to break records, Spain appear to be gathering momentum at exactly the right time.
SportsLigue
