Spain returned to winning ways at the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a convincing 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in Group H, and teenage star Lamine Yamal made history in the process. The 18-year-old became the youngest player to score for Spain at a World Cup and surpassed Lionel Messi’s record for the youngest player to net a first World Cup goal.
After being held to a goalless draw by Cape Verde in their opening match, Spain needed a strong response. They delivered exactly that, dominating Saudi Arabia from start to finish and boosting their chances of reaching the knockout stages.
Yamal shines on the big stage
Spain took the lead in the 11th minute when Yamal finished a well-worked move. The goal marked his first at a World Cup and added another milestone to his rapidly growing list of achievements.
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The Barcelona winger’s strike came at the age of 18 years and 343 days, making him younger than Messi was when the Argentine scored his first World Cup goal in 2006. The moment highlighted Yamal’s growing influence on the international stage and reinforced his status as one of football’s brightest young talents.
Lamine Yamal performs sujūd after scoring his first World Cup goal. pic.twitter.com/IfYOTymJPW
— • (@Alhamdhulillaah) June 21, 2026
Spain continued to press after the opener and were rewarded when Mikel Oyarzabal doubled the lead. The forward added his second goal before halftime, giving Spain complete control of the match.
Spain takes control of the Group H race
Saudi Arabia struggled to create meaningful chances and spent most of the game defending against Spain’s relentless attacks. The Europeans maintained possession, controlled the tempo and created opportunities throughout the contest.
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Their dominance was reflected on the scoresheet when a Saudi Arabian own goal made it 4-0 in the second half. Spain also had another effort disallowed for offside as they continued to threaten.
The comprehensive victory put Spain back on track in Group H after their disappointing start to the tournament. With four goals and a clean sheet, the result provided a major confidence boost ahead of their final group-stage match.
For Yamal, meanwhile, it was a night to remember as he combined a record-breaking achievement with a standout performance on football’s biggest stage.
