Spain thrash Saudi Arabia 4-0 and roar into life at the World Cup

A champion's response. After the 0-0 with Cape Verde, Spain hammer Saudi Arabia 4-0 with Lamine Yamal and an Oyarzabal brace, seizing control of Group H.

Spain needed a response and delivered one with authority. After a disappointing 0-0 against Cape Verde on their opening night, the European champions hammered Saudi Arabia 4-0 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and made it clear their 2026 World Cup is only just getting started. A serious, ruthless performance lit up by one star above the rest: Lamine Yamal.

How the rout unfolded

The breakthrough that wouldn't come against Cape Verde arrived almost immediately. Lamine Yamal opened the scoring early and, from there, Spain played with the calm that a lead brings. Mikel Oyarzabal, with a brace inside a few minutes, settled it before half-time, and an own goal after the break rounded off a remarkably comfortable scoreline for La Roja.

• Lamine Yamal 10' — the star opens the scoring and unlocks the game.
• Mikel Oyarzabal 21' — the forward makes it 2-0.
• Mikel Oyarzabal 24' — a brace in three minutes: 3-0 and game under control.
• Hassan Altambakti 49' (own goal) — an own goal seals the final 4-0.

The difference from the opener was one of both substance and style. Spain didn't just dominate the ball — they had done that against Cape Verde too — but this time they were direct, created danger constantly and turned control into goals. Exactly what had been missing four days earlier.

Lamine Yamal and Oyarzabal, the names of the night

Luis de la Fuente had tweaked his XI in search of more bite, and it paid off perfectly. Lamine Yamal, starting and central to everything, broke the Saudi block with the opener and was a constant nightmare down his flank. Mikel Oyarzabal brought what he always brings: goals and know-how. His brace in three minutes killed the contest almost before it had begun.

How Group H looks and what Spain need now

The rout changes everything. Spain go from being level on a point with everyone to leading Group H on four points and, crucially, with an outstanding goal difference of +4. They are now masters of their own fate to seal a place in the last 32 on the final matchday.

• With the win, Spain reach 4 points and sit top of Group H.
• The +4 goal difference is a key asset if teams finish level on points.
• Spain close out the group stage against Uruguay on Saturday 27 June.
• In the 48-team format, the top two of each group plus the eight best third-placed sides advance.

After the early scare, the message is clear: the European champions have found their stride at just the right moment and head into the decisive clash with Uruguay full of confidence.

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