LAMINE Yamal scored 10 minutes into his first-ever World Cup start to help Spain dismantle Saudi Arabia 4-0 in Atlanta tonight.
It is Spain’s first victory of the 2026 World Cup after their disappointing opening draw with underdogs Cape Verde.
Barcelona teenager Yamal had been a second-half substitute in that Group H game against Cape Verde, but he was unable to inspire the 2010 winners to victory against the African debutants.
As expected, the 18-year-old was restored to manager Luis de la Fuente’s starting line-up against Saudi Arabia – and he wasted little time in making his mark.
Mikel Oyarzabal’s low cross from the left evaded Saudi Arabia defender Hassan Al Tambakti before being tapped in at the far post by Yamal, who became only the second player aged 18 or younger – after Pele in 1958 – to open the scoring in a World Cup match.
Reluctant to rest on their laurels, Spain continued to swarm forward and doubled their lead through Oyarzabal, who finished low past goalkeeper Mohammad Al-Owais after Saudi Arabia had failed to clear a corner.
The Real Sociedad striker scored his second just three minutes later, sweeping home Dani Olmo’s flick-on at the far post to all but end the match as a contest.
Spain kept pushing forward and Oyarzabal almost completed his hat-trick with 10 minutes of the first half remaining, striking the crossbar after intercepting Al-Owais’ stray pass.
Yamal and Oyarzabal were both taken off at the interval, but their withdrawals did little to disrupt Spain’s rhythm as De la Fuente’s team continued to pin Saudi Arabia back in the second half.
Al-Owais was equal to Marc Cucurella’s powerful effort three minutes after the restart, but the ball rebounded off Al Tambakti and into the back of the net to make it 4-0.
Spain took their foot off the gas a little after that, although half-time substitute Ferran Torres almost extended their advantage when he dragged a shot wide after being played through on goal.
Abdullah Al Hamdan registered Saudi Arabia’s first – and only – effort on target with 10 minutes remaining, before Torres had a goal disallowed for offside – following a lengthy check by the video assistant referee – deep into stoppage time.
With agency report
