- 2026 FIFA World Cup: Spain Back on Track with Emphatic 4-0 Victory Over Saudi Arabia
Spain responded in style to doubts surrounding their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, producing a dominant display to thrash Saudi Arabia 4-0 in their Group H clash at Atlanta Stadium on Sunday.
After being held to a frustrating goalless draw by tournament debutants Cape Verde in their opening match, the 2010 world champions arrived under pressure to deliver. They did exactly that, turning on the style with an attacking masterclass that leaves them on the brink of qualification for the knockout stages.
La Roja controlled proceedings from the opening whistle and needed just 10 minutes to break the deadlock. Mikel Oyarzabal delivered a superb low cross from the left flank, and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal timed his run perfectly before sliding in at the far post to score Spain’s first goal of the tournament.
The breakthrough settled Spain, who continued to dominate possession and territory. Their pressure paid off again in the 21st minute when Saudi Arabia failed to clear a corner. The loose ball fell kindly to Oyarzabal, who stabbed a left-footed effort into the net to double the advantage.
Only three minutes later, Spain struck again. Dani Olmo headed the ball across the face of goal and Oyarzabal was on hand to finish from close range, completing a devastating spell that effectively ended the contest before the half-hour mark.
The Real Sociedad forward came close to completing a first-half hat-trick. He rattled the crossbar after capitalising on a poor pass from Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais and later dragged another effort wide, but Spain still entered the break comfortably ahead at 3-0.
Spain made changes at halftime, withdrawing both Yamal and Oyarzabal, while Saudi Arabia also shuffled their lineup in an attempt to stem the tide. However, the pattern of the match remained unchanged.
Just four minutes into the second half, Spain added a fourth goal. A corner kick eventually found Marc Cucurella unmarked inside the penalty area. His powerful volley was well saved by Al Owais, but the rebound ricocheted off defender Hassan Tambakti and into the net for an unfortunate own goal.
With the result beyond doubt, Spain eased off the intensity and comfortably controlled the remainder of the contest. They nearly added a fifth goal deep into stoppage time when Ferran Torres tapped home after a square pass from Pedro Porro, but a VAR review ruled the effort out.
The comprehensive victory restores confidence in the Spanish camp and moves them closer to securing a place in the last 32. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, face an uphill battle to keep their hopes of progression alive.
Group H will conclude in the early hours of Saturday, 27 June, with Spain facing Uruguay in a potentially decisive showdown, while Saudi Arabia take on Cape Verde.
