FIFA World Cup 2026: Spain uses the magic of Yamal and Oyarzabal to turn the tide against Saudi Arabia

Spain had arrived in Atlanta and needed a response. Ninety minutes later the side departed in relief, having rediscovered the goals that had let them down against Cape Verde to secure a 4–0 win and revive the faltering World Cup campaign.

While the temperature outside hovered around 30 degrees Celsius and the humidity exceeded 70 percent, inside the covered dome of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium it was a comfortable 22 degrees – ideal conditions for Spain’s preference for a fast-paced match.

Luis de la Fuente’s team started with much more purpose than in the opening match.

Lamine Yamal, handed a place in the starting eleven, hugged the right flank and immediately gave Spain an immediate outlet to stretch the Saudi defense. Two corners came within the first ten minutes and Spain, frustrated by their inability to score against Cape Verde, showed a willingness to shoot whenever space opened up.

The breakthrough came in the eleventh minute when Spain moved the ball from left to right with the ease of a tide rolling over the coastline. Mikel Oyarzabal’s low cross flashed across the goal and Yamal, who arrived unseen at the far post, slotted in his first World Cup goal.

The second goal came just before the hydration break when Saudi Arabia hesitated to clear a corner, allowing Oyarzabal to finish from close range. Spain’s attacks now followed one another, each wave more damaging than the last.

The third followed just a minute later, with Oyarzabal grabbing his second after Dani Olmo had angled Marc Cucurella’s header across goal, leaving the Real Sociedad striker with little work left.

Saudi Arabia’s misfortunes continued after the break when an unmarked left-footed strike from Cucurella bounced off goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais and then deflected off Hassan Altambakti to trickle over the line, wiping out the last vestiges of Saudi resistance.

Substitute Ferran Torres had two chances to add even more sparkle to the score, but the Barcelona winger’s finishing remained as idiosyncratic as in the opening game. Even his stoppage time attempt was disallowed for offside.

But after being left in quiet waters near Cape Verde, Spain found a current in Atlanta to continue its World Cup ambitions.

As the rowdy La Roja faithful stormed into the humid Georgia evening to enjoy fried chicken, chili and peach cobbler, the tide had once again turned in favor of one of the tournament’s early favorites.

Published on June 22, 2026