Spain returned to form in emphatic fashion on Sunday, thrashing Saudi Arabia 4-0 in their second Group H match at the 2026 World Cup, played at Atlanta Stadium. The result came as a sharp response to the heavy criticism the European champions faced after being held to a goalless draw by Cape Verde in their opening game the previous Monday.
Lamine Yamal, the Barcelona teenager making his first World Cup start after returning from an injury that had kept him out since April, set the tone early. In the 10th minute, he slid in at the back post to convert a cross from Mikel Oyarzabal — a fitting opening to what would become a commanding performance. Oyarzabal, who had been criticised for a subdued showing against Cape Verde, more than made amends, adding two further goals in the 21st and 24th minutes. The second came from a corner that Dani Olmo recycled back into the box for Oyarzabal to bundle home, and the third was a beautifully crafted move in which Marc Cucurella and Olmo combined to tee up Oyarzabal for a clinical volley. Spain's lead was so commanding that both Yamal and Oyarzabal were substituted at half-time. An own goal from Saudi Arabia's Hassan Altambakti, after the Saudi goalkeeper blocked a corner-kick volley, completed the scoring early in the second half.
The match also served as a milestone on a personal level: head coach Luis de la Fuente celebrated his 65th birthday, while Nico Williams and Mikel Merino — both returning from injury — came on as second-half substitutes to gain valuable match fitness. Oyarzabal, the Real Sociedad captain who scored the winning goal in the 2024 UEFA European Championship final and is appearing at his first World Cup after missing Qatar 2022 through a knee injury, has now scored 24 international goals, with 11 coming in his last 10 appearances for the national team.
Saudi Arabia, who had drawn 1-1 with Uruguay in their opening match, offered little in attack and were largely unable to contain Spain's fluid movement. The result leaves Spain on four points at the top of Group H, while Cape Verde and Uruguay are level on two points after drawing their second game. Saudi Arabia sit bottom on one point. Spain face Uruguay next in what will be a significant test of their title credentials, while Saudi Arabia must beat Cape Verde to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds alive.