Spain thrash Saudi Arabia 4-0 as Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal star in World Cup Group H

Spain delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in their Group H match at Atlanta Stadium on Sunday, with Lamine Yamal scoring on his first World Cup start and Mikel Oyarzabal netting a brace. The win, played before 68,239 spectators at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, marked a resounding response to Spain's goalless draw against Cape Verde in their opener. Yamal, 18, opened the scoring in the 10th minute, becoming the youngest player to score in a World Cup match since Pelé. Oyarzabal added two goals in quick succession within three minutes, helping Spain take a three-goal lead before the first hydration break. An own goal by Saudi Arabia's Hassan Al Tambakti in the 49th minute extended the lead to 4-0, though a potential fifth goal by Ferran Torres was disallowed for offside after a VAR review.

Spain's tactical adjustments, including Yamal's promotion to the starting XI and a midfield reshuffle that allowed Pedri to drop deeper alongside Rodri, proved decisive. Coach Luis de la Fuente made four changes from the opening draw, also bringing in Pedro Porro, Dani Olmo, and Álex Baena. The team raced to a 3-0 lead within 25 minutes, becoming the first side since Germany in 2014 to achieve that feat in a World Cup match. Spain dominated possession with 66.6% and created four big chances, accumulating an expected goals (xG) of 2.85.

Yamal, who had been recovering from a hamstring injury and came off the bench against Cape Verde, answered pre-match taunts from Saudi fans with his performance. After his goal, he performed the sujoud, a Muslim act of prostration, and later posted on Instagram: "I'm here." Oyarzabal, who scored twice, praised Yamal, saying: "We're talking about one of the best players in the world and one of those who has the biggest impact on games. We really benefit from what he creates and the chaos he can generate for the opposition."

The victory lifted Spain to the top of Group H with four points, while Saudi Arabia remain on one point after their opening draw with Uruguay. Spain will close the group stage on Friday against an opponent to be determined, needing at least a draw to secure progression.