Spain produced a commanding performance to secure their first win of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating Saudi Arabia 4-0 in a one sided Group H encounter. The result lifted the 2010 champions to the top of the group and underlined their status as one of the tournament favourites.
After being held to a disappointing draw by Cape Verde in their opening fixture, Spain responded in impressive fashion. Much of the attention before kick off centred on teenage star Lamine Yamal, who earned his first World Cup start after making an impact from the bench in the previous match. The youngster justified his selection almost immediately.
Just 10 minutes into the contest, Yamal arrived at the far post to convert Mikel Oyarzabal’s inviting delivery and give Spain an early breakthrough. The goal also placed him in the record books, making him only the second player aged 18 or younger to score the opening goal of a World Cup match after Pele achieved the feat in 1958.
Spain never looked back. Their relentless attacking pressure continued to trouble Saudi Arabia, and Oyarzabal soon doubled the advantage after reacting quickest inside the penalty area. Three minutes later, the Real Sociedad forward struck again, finishing confidently at the back post following a clever assist from Dani Olmo.
The Spanish attack continued to create chances at will. Oyarzabal came close to completing a first half hat trick when he intercepted a misplaced pass from goalkeeper Mohammad Al Owais, only to see his effort crash against the crossbar.
Although both Yamal and Oyarzabal were withdrawn at the break, Spain maintained complete control after halftime. Their fourth goal arrived in fortunate circumstances when Marc Cucurella’s powerful strike was saved, only for the rebound to deflect off defender Hassan Al Tambakti and roll into the net.
Saudi Arabia struggled to threaten throughout the evening and managed only one effort on target. Spain, meanwhile, continued to push forward, with Ferran Torres having a late goal ruled out after a VAR review.
The victory moves Luis de la Fuente’s side onto four points from two matches and provides a major boost ahead of their crucial clash with Uruguay. For Saudi Arabia, the pressure is now firmly on as they prepare for a decisive final group match against Cape Verde.
