Spain delivered a commanding performance to defeat Saudi Arabia 4-0 in their second group match of the 2026 World Cup, played in Atlanta. The emphatic victory came just days after a frustrating 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, with coach Luis de la Fuente celebrating his 65th birthday in style.
Early onslaught seals the win
Spain took just 10 minutes to open the scoring through teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who started his first match since recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in April. The goal originated from a precise pass by Álex Baena, setting Mikel Oyarzabal free to cross low across the six-yard box. Yamal slid in at the far post to score, becoming only the second player in history to score a World Cup opener at a younger age than Pelé.
Oyarzabal then added two goals within 23 minutes to put Spain 3-0 ahead. His first came after Saudi Arabia failed to clear a corner, with Aymeric Laporte heading down for Oyarzabal to finish. The second showcased Spain's attacking intent, as Pedro Porro's curling cross found Marc Cucurella, who side-footed back for Dani Olmo to head on to Oyarzabal for a volleyed finish—all without the ball touching the ground.
Dominance from start to finish
Spain controlled the match with over 70% possession, completing 113 passes from Rodri and 98 of 99 from Pau Cubarsí. The aggressive pressing and fluid movement were a stark contrast to the Cape Verde stalemate. De la Fuente admitted the team was "stung" by criticism after that draw, and they responded with intensity.
Yamal was withdrawn at half-time as a precaution, having completed 45 minutes without issue. Oyarzabal also departed at the break, but Spain continued to press. Cucurella scored the fourth goal in the 49th minute, volleying in from another poorly defended corner, with the ball deflecting off Hassan Tambakti.
Substitutes Mikel Merino and Nico Williams gained valuable minutes as the game wound down, while Ferran Torres had a fifth goal disallowed by VAR. Unai Simón, Spain's goalkeeper, was largely untroubled until making a significant save in the 80th minute.
Key performances and impact
Yamal's presence transformed Spain's attacking threat, drawing defenders and creating space for teammates. His Cruyff turn within the first minute set the tone for a dynamic display. Oyarzabal, often underrated, now has 14 goals and 7 assists in his last 13 appearances for Spain.
The victory puts Spain in a strong position to advance from the group, restoring confidence after the opening disappointment. De la Fuente praised his team's response, saying, "The ball ran." Spain will look to build on this performance in their next match.
