Image: from Central News X @centralnewsza
By Open Chronicle with agencies
Spain responded emphatically to its disappointing opening draw at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating Saudi Arabia 4-0 on Sunday to move to the top of Group H.
A dominant performance led by Mikel Oyarzabal and Lamine Yamal ensured that La Roja avoided any upset and reasserted its status as one of the tournament’s strongest contenders.
Spain Dominates from the Start
Needing a victory after an unexpected draw in its opening match, Spain began the contest with intensity and immediately put Saudi Arabia under pressure.
The breakthrough arrived after just 10 minutes when Oyarzabal surged down the left flank and delivered a low cross that Yamal converted for his first-ever World Cup goal.
The strike marked a memorable milestone for the 18-year-old winger, who had returned to the starting lineup after recovering from injury.
Spain continued to overwhelm its opponents and doubled the lead in the 20th minute through Oyarzabal, who was once again at the center of the action.
Only three minutes later, the Real Sociedad forward scored his second goal of the match, heading home from a delivery by Dani Olmo to make it 3-0.
The brace took Oyarzabal’s tally for Spain to 27 international goals, making him the seventh-highest scorer in the history of the national team.
Complete Control
Spain dominated possession and chances throughout the opening half, registering 17 shots compared to just two for Saudi Arabia.
The scoreline could easily have been more severe as Luis de la Fuente’s side repeatedly found space in the final third and created opportunities with ease.
By halftime, the outcome was already beyond doubt.
Fourth Goal Seals the Rout
With an eye on the remainder of the tournament, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente withdrew both Yamal and Oyarzabal at the break.
The changes did little to slow Spain’s momentum.
Just three minutes into the second half, a corner kick resulted in another goal when Marc Cucurella’s effort was saved by goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais before deflecting off defender Hassan Tambakti and into the net.
Spain continued to threaten, with Yéremy Pino forcing another save from the Saudi goalkeeper as the European side pushed for more goals.
Although Ferran Torres appeared to have added a fifth goal deep into stoppage time, the effort was ruled out for offside by the officiating team led by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus.
Group H Picture
The victory lifts Spain to the top of Group H and puts the 2010 world champions in a strong position to advance to the knockout stage.
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, remains in contention but faces a crucial final group match.
Spain will return to action on June 26 against Uruguay in a match that could determine the group winner.
At the same time, Saudi Arabia will face Cape Verde as it seeks to keep its World Cup hopes alive.
Following an uncertain start to the tournament, Spain’s commanding performance served as a reminder of the team’s attacking quality and depth, with Yamal and Oyarzabal emerging as the stars of a convincing World Cup statement.