Spain rout Saudi Arabia 4-0 to announce World Cup credentials

Oyarzabal scores twice, adds assist; Yamal opens World Cup account with opener

Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal celebrates after scoring during the 2026 World Cup Group H match against Saudi Arabia at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia, United States, on Monday. [AP]

Spain, one of the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup, claimed their first victory of the tournament on Monday.

Spain crushed Saudi Arabia 4-0 in their Group H second-round match at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia, powered by a two-goal, one-assist performance from Mikel Oyarzabal.

The result was a sharp rebound from Spain's opening group-stage match, in which they were held to a goalless draw by debutants Cape Verde despite outshooting them 27-6 — a result that had dented the title contenders' reputation.

Rising star Lamine Yamal set the tone with his first World Cup goal just 10 minutes in. Oyarzabal drove down the left flank and cut a low cross into the box, and Yamal slid in from the far post to finish calmly and give Spain the lead.

Eleven minutes later, Dani Olmo floated a corner into the area, Aymeric Laporte headed it down, and Oyarzabal drove in to slot the ball into the right side of the net.

Just three minutes after that, Olmo headed on a cross and Oyarzabal was on hand to finish from close range, leaving him directly involved in all three first-half goals.

Spain went into the break leading 3-0 and extended their advantage to 4-0 just four minutes into the second half, showing no sign of letting up.

Spain's Lamine Yamal slides in to score his first World Cup goal — and Spain's opener — against Saudi Arabia in the 2026 World Cup group stage. [Reuters]

A corner from Alejandro Baena on the left drifted to the back post, where Cucurella connected with a volley. Goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais got a hand to it, but the rebound struck Saudi defender Hassan Al-Tambakti and deflected into the net for an own goal.

Spain continued to press even after the match was effectively decided, and Ferran Torres appeared to add a fifth in second-half stoppage time, finishing a Pedro Porro cross with his left foot from inside the box.

A video assistant referee review ruled Torres offside, however, and the goal was disallowed.

The win gave Spain four points from two matches, while Saudi Arabia sit on one point after a draw and a loss. Spain dominated throughout, outshooting Saudi Arabia 22-3, with eight shots on target to Saudi Arabia's one.

yjc@heraldcorp.com