Spain beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 to secure first World Cup win

Spain dismantled Saudi Arabia 4-0 in their second Group H fixture at Atlanta Stadium on Sunday to record their first victory of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring twice and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal opening his account in a performance that lifted the European champions to four points in the standings.

First-half blitz

The 18-year-old Yamal rewarded the nearly 68,000 spectators — the vast majority dressed in red — when he slid in at the back post to convert Alex Baena's low cross from the left after just 10 minutes, becoming the seventh player in history to score at a World Cup before turning 19. The Barcelona winger, who is of Moroccan descent, celebrated his maiden finals goal by performing a prostration on the turf.

Spain doubled their advantage in the 21st minute when Oyarzabal pounced on a loose ball at the back post following Baena's corner. The Real Sociedad forward struck again three minutes later, nodding home Dani Olmo's header after Marc Cucurella had diverted Pedro Porro's cross to give the unmarked striker a simple finish for his second goal and a 3-0 lead.

Second-half seal

The European champions extended their lead four minutes into the second period when a powerful volley from Cucurella was parried by goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais, with the rebound striking defender Hassan Al Tambakti and crossing the line for an own goal. Spain comfortably saw out the remainder against a Saudi side that never recovered mentally or tactically, securing a result that moved La Roja to four points while the Green Falcons remained on one. Uruguay and Cape Verde are scheduled to meet in the group's other fixture later in the week, with the outcome set to determine the complexion of the qualification race.

Standout performances

Oyarzabal answered his critics emphatically after drawing fire for failing to register a touch in the opening half-hour against Cape Verde. The Real Sociedad forward delivered two goals and an assist in the first 30 minutes against Saudi Arabia, taking his tally to 14 goals in his last 13 international appearances as his movement and finishing proved too much for a Saudi defense that had previously earned a point against Uruguay through resilient organization.

Some supporters at the roofed and air-conditioned Atlanta Stadium voiced frustration during the second-half cooling break, reflecting ongoing opposition to water stoppages at venues equipped with climate control systems. The issue has generated debate among followers of the tournament since the opening round of matches.