Yamal’s return sparks Spain to 4-0 rout of Saudi Arabia

Reigning European champions Spain comprehensively reignited their FIFA 2026 World Cup campaign, dispatching Saudi Arabia 4-0 in Atlanta, inspired by the return of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

Making his first start in two months after recovering from a hamstring injury, the Barcelona star needed just 10 minutes to end Spain’s long wait for a World Cup goal.

Mikel Oyarzabal then struck twice in quick succession as Luis de la Fuente’s side raced into a 3-0 lead inside 24 minutes in Atlanta.

Spain completed the rout in the second half when Saudi Arabia defender Hassan Al-Tambakti turned the ball into his own net.

With the result effectively secured, De la Fuente withdrew Yamal at half-time as he continued to carefully manage the teenager’s fitness following his recent injury lay-off.

“We had to recover good feelings and correct a few things from the last game, but we need to keep improving if we want to achieve our target of reaching the final on July 19,” De la Fuente said after the match.

The victory lifted Spain to the top of Group H ahead of Uruguay’s clash with Cape Verde later in the day.

Among the favourites to lift the trophy, Spain had endured a frustrating start to the tournament after being held to a goalless draw by World Cup debutants Cape Verde.

Despite dominating possession in that match, La Roja struggled to create clear-cut chances, underlining Yamal’s importance to their attacking play.

The 18-year-old’s return transformed Spain’s performance, with his early goal setting the tone for a dominant display.

De la Fuente made four changes to his starting XI, bringing in Yamal, Pedro Porro, Dani Olmo and Alex Baena, and was rewarded with an emphatic response from his side.

The Spain coach had admitted his players were “stung” by criticism following their opening draw, and they answered in style with one of the most convincing performances of the tournament so far.