Spain’s World Cup campaign burst into life on Sunday as teenage sensation Lamine Yamal marked his first start at football’s biggest tournament with an early goal in a commanding 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in Atlanta (USA).
The 18-year-old winger needed just 10 minutes to make his mark, sliding in at the far post to convert Mikel Oyarzabal’s low cross and settle any nerves that remained following Spain’s disappointing goalless draw against tournament debutants Cape Verde in their opening match. ALSO READ: Cape Verde frustrate European champions Spain in historic World Cup opener.
Yamal’s strike not only put Spain on course for a much-needed win but also saw him become the eighth-youngest goalscorer in World Cup history. In a tournament where global stars including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane have already made headlines, the Barcelona forward announced his arrival on the biggest stage in emphatic fashion.
Already regarded as one of the brightest talents in world football, Yamal helped Spain win the European Championship in 2024 despite being only 16 when that tournament began. ALSO READ: Lamine Yamal, aged 16, makes history at Euro 2024: ‘I only ask to win, win, win.’
Widely tipped as a future successor to Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo among football’s elite names, he arrived at the World Cup with lingering questions over his fitness after missing the end of the domestic season with a hamstring injury. ALSO READ: Spain heads to World Cup without any Real Madrid players as Barça dominates squad.
Having been limited to a substitute appearance against Cape Verde, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente handed him a place in the starting line-up against Saudi Arabia, and the youngster immediately justified the decision. Before scoring, he had already caused repeated problems for the Saudi defence with his pace and direct running.
Spain dominated from the outset, pinning Saudi Arabia deep inside their own half and creating wave after wave of pressure. A packed Atlanta Stadium, filled largely with Spanish supporters, erupted when Yamal scored. The teenager celebrated by dropping to his knees, praying and kissing the turf.
His goal opened the floodgates.
Oyarzabal, who had faced criticism after barely influencing Spain’s opening match, played a central role in the response. Having supplied the assist for Yamal’s opener, he struck twice himself with close-range finishes in the 21st and 24th minutes as Saudi Arabia struggled to clear their lines under relentless Spanish pressure.
The Real Sociedad forward came close to completing a first-half hat-trick. One ambitious effort following a poor Saudi clearance clipped the top of the crossbar, while another strike flashed narrowly across the face of goal and wide.
With Spain holding a commanding three-goal advantage before the first-half hydration break and thoroughly dominating proceedings, De la Fuente was able to afford his key attackers an early rest. Both Yamal and Oyarzabal were withdrawn at half-time after helping effectively settle the contest.
Spain maintained complete control after the restart. Just four minutes into the second half, Marc Cucurella’s volley was saved by goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais, but the rebound struck defender Hassan Altambakti and ricocheted into the net for an own goal, extending the lead to 4-0.
The result represented a significant response from one of the tournament favourites after the frustration of the opening draw. Spain, whose World Cup record since winning the trophy in 2010 has been underwhelming, had failed to progress beyond the last 16 in each subsequent tournament and had won only three World Cup matches during that period.
This emphatic victory leaves La Roja in a strong position heading into their final group match against Uruguay, knowing that a point will be enough to secure qualification for the Round of 32. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, must regroup quickly ahead of their crucial meeting with Cape Verde. ALSO READ: Spain ready for World Cup opener after Peru victory, but Uruguay threat awaits in Group H.
ALSO READ: Goldman Sachs model tips Spain to win 2026 World Cup ahead of France and Argentina.
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España se divierte en Atlanta.
La crónica: https://t.co/Pp12vpYdlD #VamosEspaña | #CopaMundialFIFA pic.twitter.com/ckHYWTPREK
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) June 21, 2026
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