Spain emphatically broke their Group H silence on Sunday, hammering Saudi Arabia 4-0 to move top of the table and banish memories of a shock opening draw with Cape Verde. A devastating first-half blitz, inspired by the electric Lamine Yamal and a quickfire double from Mikel Oyarzabal, saw the game effectively over before the first hydration break at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
It was the performance that La Roja desperately needed after the goalless stalemate against Cape Verde had threatened to derail their 2026 World Cup campaign before it had truly begun. Here, they displayed the crisp passing, relentless movement and cutting edge that makes them one of the tournament favourites.
Yamal and Oyarzabal Run Riot in First Half
Lamine Yamal, handed his first World Cup start after a lively cameo in the opener, needed just 11 minutes to make his mark. The Mikel Oyarzabal low, fizzing cross from the left was expertly poked home at the back post on a tight angle. It was a poacher’s finish that spoke of a player brimming with confidence, and it set the tone for a relentless first quarter.
“Being able to score here with my mum and my family in the stands is a dream come true,” Yamal told DAZN, reflecting on watching the 2022 tournament from his classroom.
If the opener showed Spain’s incision, the second and third underlined their hunger. Oyarzabal scrambled home from close range after a corner caused chaos in the 21st minute, and two minutes later he turned in another low cross with a clinical first-time finish. The brace took his World Cup tally to two in just 23 minutes, and he could have had a hat-trick before the break when a poor back-pass from Mohammed Al Owais gifted him possession, only for his shot to cannon off the crossbar.
By the time the hydration break arrived, Spain had already completed more passes than any other team in a single game at this tournament and became the first nation since Germany in 2014 to score three goals inside 25 minutes. Yamal’s energy was infectious: dribbles, crosses, shots – he flew out of the blocks and lifted those around him to a level Saudi Arabia simply could not contain.
A Statement Win After Cape Verde Shock
The pressure had been enormous on La Roja following their embarrassing 0-0 draw with Cape Verde. Critics questioned whether the 2010 champions had the mental fortitude to go deep in this tournament. Sunday’s response was emphatic. Not only did they secure the three points, but the nature of the performance – quick passing, aggressive pressing and lethal finishing – sent a clear message to the rest of the competition.
Coach Luis de la Fuente, who celebrated his 65th birthday on the eve of the game, will have been delighted with the reaction. His decision to restore Yamal to the starting XI was fully vindicated, while the midfield trio of Pedri, Gavi and Rodri controlled possession effortlessly. Even after the goals dried up in the second half, Spain remained dominant, and the fourth arrived through an unfortunate own goal from Hassan Al Tambakti after Marc Cucurella’s header was saved.
De la Fuente’s Smart Management Pays Off
With the result secure, de la Fuente made the shrewd decision to withdraw both Yamal and Oyarzabal at half-time, preserving their legs for the crucial upcoming clash with Uruguay. The move allowed substitutes to gain valuable minutes without disrupting the team’s rhythm. Spain maintained possession and even thought they had a fifth when Ferran Torres converted a Fabian Ruiz cross in added time, but a lengthy VAR review correctly ruled it out for offside.
The victory sends Spain top of Group H on goal difference, while Saudi Arabia sit bottom after two defeats. The result sets up a fascinating final round of group games, with Uruguay vs Cape Verde later on Sunday likely to determine the shape of the group ahead of the last matchday.
Key Takeaways
- Spain’s attacking firepower ignites: After drawing a blank against Cape Verde, La Roja showed they can blow teams away in 25 minutes when their stars click.
- Lamine Yamal is a genuine World Cup star: The teenager’s first start brought a goal, confidence and an injection of tempo that transformed Spain’s entire performance.
- Mikel Oyarzabal’s movement slices through defences: Two goals from inside the box highlighted his intelligent positioning and finishing, making him a constant threat.
- Group H is wide open: Spain’s win puts them in control, but Uruguay’s result against Cape Verde will keep the group alive heading into the final round.
- De la Fuente’s squad depth offers options: Resting key players at half-time without losing control bodes well for the knockout stages.
Quick Facts
Score: Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia
Goalscorers: Yamal 11’, Oyarzabal 21’, 23’, Al Tambakti (OG) 49’
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Spain’s next match: vs Uruguay, June 25
Spain Group H standing: 1st, 4 points from 2 games
Full match report via Sky Sports.