Spain delivered an emphatic statement at the FIFA World Cup 2026, dismantling Saudi Arabia 4-0 in Atlanta to record their first win in Group H after a humbling opening draw against Cape Verde.

Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal were the driving forces behind a dominant performance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where a crowd of 68,239 witnessed Spain's quick passing and attacking intent finally click into gear.

Yamal opens the scoring

Yamal, restored to the starting lineup after a lively substitute appearance in the group opener, needed just 10 minutes to break the deadlock. He tucked home Oyarzabal's sharp, low cross from a tight angle — his first goal on his first World Cup start.

Oyarzabal then took over, netting twice in the space of three minutes to put Spain firmly in control before the first hydration break. His 21st-minute strike was a scrappy tap-in at the back post, followed two minutes later by a more composed finish at close range.

The Real Sociedad forward came close to completing a hat-trick midway through the half, but his first-time effort cannoned off the top of the crossbar after capitalising on a poor back pass by Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais.

Own goal seals comfortable win

Manager Luis de la Fuente — celebrating his 65th birthday on Sunday — made the shrewd decision to withdraw both Yamal and Oyarzabal at half-time, with a more demanding schedule ahead for Spain.

The second half was less intense, yet Spain remained in control. The fourth goal arrived on 49 minutes through an unfortunate own goal: Marc Cucurella's effort from a corner rebound was saved by Al Owais, but the ball struck Hassan Al Tambakti and rolled into the net.

In added time, Ferran Torres turned home a cross from Fabian Ruiz to seemingly make it five — but a lengthy VAR review overturned the goal for offside, leaving the scoreline at 4-0.

Group H standings

The result sends Spain to the top of Group H. Saudi Arabia drop to the foot of the table, with Uruguay's match against Cape Verde later on Sunday set to further shape the group standings.