Spain returned to winning ways at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dominant 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in their Group H clash on Sunday. After being held to a goalless draw by Cape Verde in their opening match, Luis de la Fuente’s side delivered a much-improved performance to strengthen their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Yamal and Oyarzabal lead Spain’s charge
Spain took control from the opening minutes and was rewarded in the 10th minute when teenage star Lamine Yamal found the net. The youngster finished off a well-worked move to score his first-ever World Cup goal and give Spain an early advantage.
Mikel Oyarzabal then doubled Spain’s lead before adding another goal minutes later to put the match beyond Saudi Arabia’s reach. The forward’s clinical finishing helped Spain race into a 3-0 lead before halftime, leaving the Saudi defence with little answer to the relentless pressure.
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Saudi Arabia struggled to create meaningful chances and spent most of the first half chasing the game as Spain dominated possession and dictated the tempo.
Spain finishes the job in the second half
With the result virtually secured, Spain made several changes after the break, including withdrawing Yamal and Oyarzabal. The substitutions were precautionary and aimed at keeping key players fresh for the upcoming clash against Uruguay.
Lamine Yamal vs
Superstar.pic.twitter.com/dv9nGi3TN1
— Football Performances (@FCPerformances) June 21, 2026
Spain added a fourth goal early in the second half when Saudi defender Hassan Al Tambakti inadvertently turned the ball into his own net while attempting to clear a dangerous cross.
The European side continued to control the contest and comfortably saw out the remainder of the match without allowing Saudi Arabia a route back into the game.
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The convincing victory moves Spain to four points from two matches in Group H and puts them in a strong position ahead of their final group-stage fixture against Uruguay. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, remains on one point and now faces a must-win encounter against Cape Verde to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Spain’s display was a reminder of their quality, with Yamal and Oyarzabal producing standout performances in a result that reignited their campaign.
