Yamal opens World Cup account as Spain thrash Saudi Arabia 4-0

Spain secured their first win of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, inspired by teenager Lamine Yamal and a first-half brace from Mikel Oyarzabal.

After being held to a frustrating goalless draw by Cape Verde in their opening Group H fixture, Spain responded in style to boost their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

Yamal makes history with early opener

Handed his first World Cup start by coach Luis de la Fuente, Yamal wasted little time announcing himself on football’s biggest stage.

The 18-year-old Barcelona winger opened the scoring after 10 minutes, arriving at the far post to convert Mikel Oyarzabal’s low cross after Saudi Arabia failed to deal with the danger.

The goal saw Yamal join an exclusive list, becoming only the second player aged 18 or younger to score the opening goal in a World Cup match after Brazilian legend Pele in 1958.

Spain continued to dominate possession and territory, repeatedly stretching the Saudi defence with quick passing and movement in the final third.

Oyarzabal double puts Spain in control

The Europeans doubled their advantage when Oyarzabal reacted quickest after Saudi Arabia failed to clear a corner, firing a low effort beyond goalkeeper Mohammad Al-Owais.

Just three minutes later, the Real Sociedad forward struck again. Dani Olmo flicked the ball into his path and Oyarzabal calmly swept home at the far post to make it 3-0 before half-time.

Spain nearly added a fourth before the break when Oyarzabal intercepted a loose pass from Al-Owais, but his effort crashed against the crossbar.

Comfortable finish seals crucial win

Both Yamal and Oyarzabal were withdrawn at half-time, but Spain’s dominance continued after the interval.

The fourth goal arrived shortly after the restart when Marc Cucurella’s powerful shot was saved by Al-Owais, only for the rebound to deflect off defender Hassan Al Tambakti and into the net.

Saudi Arabia struggled to create chances throughout the contest and did not register an effort on target until Abdullah Al Hamddan tested the Spanish goalkeeper late in the second half.

Spain thought they had added a fifth in stoppage time through Ferran Torres, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.

The victory moves Spain firmly back into contention in Group H as they continue their pursuit of a place in the World Cup knockout rounds.