Spain delivered an emphatic response to their opening-game frustration at the FIFA World Cup 2026™, sweeping aside Saudi Arabia 4-0 in Group H at Atlanta Stadium on Sunday 21 June. After being held to a shock 0-0 draw by tournament debutants Cabo Verde in their first fixture, Luis de la Fuente’s side produced a ruthless first-half display that effectively settled the contest before the first hydration break.
Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal were at the heart of Spain’s statement win, with Yamal opening the scoring early and Oyarzabal striking twice in quick succession. A second-half own goal from Hassan Altambakti completed the scoreline as Spain moved to four points from two matches and edged closer to the Round of 32.
First-half blitz puts Spain in total control
Spain started on the front foot and immediately pinned Saudi Arabia back in their final third, applying sustained pressure that the opposition struggled to clear. The breakthrough arrived in the 10th minute when Oyarzabal crossed for Yamal, who slid home to put La Roja ahead.
The early goal opened the floodgates. Spain continued to force Saudi Arabia deeper, and Oyarzabal capitalised on the inability to clear their lines, scoring twice with close-range finishes. His first came in the 21st minute, and he struck again three minutes later in the 24th to make it 3-0.
Oyarzabal came close to completing a first-half hat-trick. He clipped the top of the bar with an audacious effort after a poor clearance, then later drove a shot across the face of goal that drifted narrowly wide. By the interval, Spain had already established a commanding advantage built on relentless pressure and clinical finishing.
Yamal’s return and a notable World Cup milestone
Yamal made an immediate impact on his return to the Spain starting XI, and his goal also carried historical significance. At 18 years and 343 days, he became the eighth youngest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, and the second youngest for Spain at the tournament. Only Gavi’s goal against Costa Rica in 2022 was scored at a younger age for Spain (18 years and 110 days).
Second half: no let-up, then an unfortunate own goal
There was little let-up from Spain after the interval, even with both goalscorers withdrawn at half-time. Spain kept control and continued to create, and the fourth goal arrived in the 49th minute in unfortunate fashion for Saudi Arabia. After Mohammed Alowais saved from Marc Cucurella’s volley, Hassan Altambakti could only deflect the ball into his own net, extending Spain’s lead to 4-0.
Spain saw out the match with their advantage intact, completing a comprehensive Group H victory that underlined their quality after the earlier draw.
What the result means in Group H
The win leaves Spain on four points from two matches in Group H, with four goals scored and none conceded. Spain now know that a point from their final fixture against Uruguay will be enough to secure progress to the Round of 32.
For Saudi Arabia, the defeat leaves them needing to regroup ahead of their next match against Cabo Verde. Their coach Georgios Donis pointed to mistakes near their penalty area and the effect of conceding three goals quickly, while also highlighting the impact of players like Yamal in one-versus-one situations.
Mikel Oyarzabal was named the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match after his two-goal contribution and his role in setting up the opener.
