Spain secured their first victory in 2026 FIFA World Cup with a convincing 4-0 victory Saudi Arabiainspired by a teenager Lamine Yamal and the first half of the brothers from Mikel Oyarzabal.
After a frustrating goalless draw by Cape Verde in their Group H opener, Spain responded in style to boost their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
Yamal makes history by opening early
After being handed his first World Cup start by coach Luis de la Fuente, Yamal wasted little time making his mark on football’s biggest stage.
The 18-year-old Barcelona winger opened the scoring after 10 minutes, reaching the far post and converting Mikel Oyarzabal’s low cross after Saudi Arabia failed to deal with the danger.
With the goal, Yamal joined an exclusive list, becoming only the second player aged 18 or younger to score the first goal in a World Cup match since Brazilian legend Pele in 1958.
Spain continued to dominate possession and territory, repeatedly stretching the Saudi defense with quick passes and movements in the final third.
Oyarzabal double puts Spain in control
The Europeans doubled their lead when Oyarzabal reacted quickest after Saudi Arabia failed to clear a corner, firing a low shot past goalkeeper Mohammad Al-Owais.
Just three minutes later, the Real Sociedad striker scored again. Dani Olmo put the ball into his path, and Oyarzabal calmly slotted home at the far post to make it 3-0 before halftime.
Spain almost added a fourth before the break when Oyarzabal intercepted Al-Owais’ loose pass but his effort hit the crossbar.
A comfortable finish ensures a crucial victory
Both Yamal and Oyarzabal were withdrawn at half-time, but Spain’s dominance continued after the break.
The fourth goal came shortly after the restart when Marco Cucurella’s powerful shot was saved by Al-Owais, only for the rebound to deflect off defender Hassan Al Tambakti into the net.
Saudi Arabia struggled to create chances throughout the contest and did not register a goal 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 after a VAR review.
The win puts Spain firmly back in contention in Group H as they continue their quest for a place in the knockout rounds of the World Cup.
