Spain returned to winning ways at the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a dominant 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in Group H.
La Roja needed a response after their disappointing 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their opening match. They delivered it in style.
Lamine Yamal opened the scoring early, Mikel Oyarzabal added two more goals, and a second-half own goal by Hassan Altambakti completed a painful afternoon for Saudi Arabia.
The result moved Spain to four points and placed them in a strong position in Group H. For Saudi Arabia, it was a heavy defeat after they had started the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Uruguay.
Spain Start With Real Intent
Spain looked sharper from the first whistle. They moved the ball quicker, attacked with more purpose and refused to repeat the slow rhythm that hurt them against Cape Verde.
Luis de la Fuente’s side played with more directness. That change made a huge difference. Spain did not only keep possession. They used it to hurt Saudi Arabia.
Their movement in the final third was better. Their pressing was stronger. Their finishing was also much sharper than in the opening game. Saudi Arabia struggled to cope with the speed of Spain’s attacks.
Yamal Opens the Scoring
Lamine Yamal gave Spain the perfect start. The young winger scored in the 10th minute and immediately settled Spanish nerves. It was the kind of goal Spain badly needed.
After being frustrated by Cape Verde, La Roja wanted an early breakthrough. Yamal provided it with confidence and quality. His goal also gave Spain more freedom.
Once they were ahead, they found more space and began to attack Saudi Arabia with greater belief. Yamal’s influence showed why he remains one of the most exciting young players in world football.
Oyarzabal Takes Control
Mikel Oyarzabal then took over. The forward scored twice in quick succession to put Spain firmly in command before halftime. His two goals changed the match completely.
Saudi Arabia had no time to recover from Yamal’s opener before Oyarzabal punished them again. The first-half performance was exactly what Spain wanted from him after a quiet opening game.
Oyarzabal looked sharp, alert and hungry. He found good positions and finished clinically. By halftime, Spain had already taken the match away from Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia Struggles to Respond
Saudi Arabia came into the match hoping to frustrate Spain. They had earned a useful point against Uruguay and wanted to build on that result. However, Spain’s fast start destroyed their plan.
Saudi Arabia spent most of the first half chasing the ball and defending deep. They struggled to create chances and found it difficult to get their attackers involved.
Whenever they tried to push forward, Spain pressed quickly and won the ball back. That pressure made it hard for Saudi Arabia to breathe.
Own Goal Completes Rout
Spain’s fourth goal came early in the second half. Saudi defender Hassan Altambakti turned the ball into his own net, adding to Saudi Arabia’s misery.
By then, the match was effectively over. Spain had complete control.
De la Fuente was able to manage the game and protect key players, with Yamal and Oyarzabal both substituted at halftime.
That showed how comfortable Spain were. They had done the damage early and did not need to force the game after the break.
De la Fuente Gets Birthday Boost
The win also gave Spain coach Luis de la Fuente a perfect birthday gift.
Reports said the coach celebrated his 65th birthday with a performance that answered many of the questions raised after the Cape Verde draw.
Spain looked more aggressive and more vertical. They also showed the kind of attacking depth that could make them dangerous later in the tournament.
The result will bring relief to Spanish fans. It also restores the belief that La Roja can still go deep at this World Cup.
Group H Opens Up
Spain now sits on four points after two matches. That puts them in a strong position before their final group game. Saudi Arabia remains on one point and now faces major pressure.
Their final match will likely decide whether they still have any chance of progressing. The group remains interesting because Uruguay and Cape Verde are also fighting for points.
However, Spain’s 4-0 win has given them momentum and a healthy goal difference. That could become important if the group gets tight.
Yamal Sends Warning
Yamal’s performance will excite Spain supporters. He played with confidence, pace and maturity.
Even though he is still young, he already carries himself like a player ready for the biggest stage. His opening goal set the tone. His movement also created problems before he was taken off at halftime.
Spain will need him fresh for the knockout push. If he continues playing like this, defenders will have a difficult tournament ahead.
Saudi Arabia Need Quick Recovery
Saudi Arabia must recover quickly. A 4-0 defeat can damage confidence, especially at the World Cup.
They now need to regroup and fix the defensive mistakes that allowed Spain to score so early and so often. Their next performance must be much better.
They showed fight against Uruguay, but they could not repeat that discipline against Spain. The challenge now is mental as much as tactical.
Spain Back on Track
Spain needed a statement. They got one. After a frustrating start to the tournament, La Roja responded with goals, control and confidence.
Yamal brought the spark. Oyarzabal brought the finishing. Spain’s midfield brought the rhythm. The 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia does not guarantee anything yet.
However, it puts Spain back on track and reminds the rest of the World Cup that La Roja remain a serious threat.
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