Lamine Yamal (C) of Spain shoots to score during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
ATLANTA, United States, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Lamine Yamal immediately made his presence felt in his first start at the FIFA World Cup, as his maiden goal helped Spain crush Saudi Arabia 4-0 in the second Group H game here on Sunday.
Spain suffered a surprise goalless draw against Cabo Verde in its opening match, with Yamal coming off the bench as a second half substitute, while Saudi Arabia also tied with Uruguay 1-1.
La Roja made four changes to the starting line-up as Yamal started with Dani Olmo, Alex Baena and Pedro Porro, while Salem Aldawsari led Saudi Arabia's attack.
Spain and Saudi Arabia have played each other once at the World Cup. The nations faced off at Germany 2006, with the European side winning 1-0 thanks to a Juanito goal.
The Euro champion had an aggressive start and broke the deadlock in the 10th minute when Mikel Oyarzabal rolled across from the left, and Yamal perfectly timed his run to slide it in at the back post.
Spain doubled the lead in the 21st minute when a corner created chaos, Oyarzabal managed on target with a left-footed strike.
Oyarzabal bagged the brace three minutes later when Porro's cross found Marc Cucurella, who flicked it to Olmo to nod for Oyarzabal to cushion it home.
The Real Sociedad striker had the chance to complete a hat-trick in the 36th minute but only saw his attempt smack the bar.
Luis de la Fuente dropped Yamal and Oyarzabal at the half-time, but it couldn't stop Spain scoring straight after the break as Cucurella's attempt forced Hassan Altambakti to score an own goal.
Spain continued its dominance but failed to add another. Ferran Torres had found the back of the net in the dying minutes, but it was chalked off after a lengthy VAR check.
Spain faces Uruguay in the last group game while Saudi Arabia takes on Cabo Verde. ■
Ferran Torres (2nd L) of Spain competes during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Fans of both sides react before the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Lamine Yamal of Spain waves before the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Lamine Yamal of Spain reacts before the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Lamine Yamal of Spain is seen before the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Lamine Yamal (3rd L) of Spain warms up before the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Lamine Yamal of Spain warms up before the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Lamine Yamal of Spain celebrates after scoring during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Luis de la Fuente, head coach of Spain, reacts during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Lamine Yamal of Spain competes during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Lamine Yamal (L) of Spain reacts during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Starting players of Spain pose before the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Lamine Yamal (L) of Spain competes with Salem Aldawsari of Saudi Arabia during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Lamine Yamal (C) of Spain shoots to score during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Lamine Yamal of Spain celebrates after scoring during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Lamine Yamal of Spain celebrates after scoring during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Lamine Yamal (R) celebrates with Rodri of Spain after scoring during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Georgios Donis, head coach of Saudi Arabia, reacts before the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Lamine Yamal (1st R) of Spain shoots to score during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Mikel Oyarzabal of Spain celebrates after scoring during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Mikel Oyarzabal (2nd L, rear) of Spain shoots to score during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Mikel Oyarzabal (1st R) of Spain celebrates scoring during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Pau Cubarsi (L) of Spain competes with Feras Albrikan of Saudi Arabia during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Mikel Oyarzabal (C) of Spain celebrates after scoring during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Lamine Yamal (R) of Spain celebrates after scoring during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Mikel Oyarzabal (R) of Spain celebrates scoring with Lamine Yamal during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Mikel Oyarzabal (front) of Spain celebrates scoring during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Mikel Oyarzabal (1st L) of Spain shoots to score during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Lamine Yamal (1st R) of Spain celebrates after scoring during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Aymeric Laporte (L) of Spain competes during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Pedro Porro (R) of Spain competes during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Players of Spain celebrate after scoring during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Moteb Alharbi (R) of Saudi Arabia competes with Lamine Yamal of Spain during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Lamine Yamal of Spain reacts during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Marc Cucurella (2nd R) of Spain competes during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Marc Cucurella (1st R) of Spain reacts during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Ferran Torres (2nd R) of Spain competes with Abdullah Alhamddan (3rd R) of Saudi Arabia during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Marc Cucurella (3rd L) of Spain reacts during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Marc Cucurella (2nd L) of Spain reacts during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Mohamed Kanno (L) of Saudi Arabia competes with Pedri of Spain during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Marc Cucurella (L) of Spain competes during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Starting players of Saudi Arabia pose before the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Nico Williams of Spain prepares to take a corner kick during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Hassan Altambakti (top) of Saudi Arabia competes during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Ferran Torres (2nd L) of Spain celebrates scoring which was later cancelled during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Yeremy Pino (down) of Spain falls to the ground during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Rodri of Spain greets spectators after the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Lamine Yamal (rear L) of Spain celebrates with teammates after scoring during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Marcos Llorente (front L) and David Raya, goalkeeper of Spain, react after the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Lamine Yamal (1st L) of Spain shoots to score during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
Mohammed Alowais, goalkeeper of Saudi Arabia, fails to save the ball during the group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, the United States, June 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)
