Spain bounced back from their opening-day setback with a commanding 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday.
The European champions, held to a surprise goalless draw by Cape Verde in their first group game, made a blistering start in Atlanta, scoring inside 10 minutes to seize control of the contest.
Teenage forward Lamine Yamal marked his return to the starting XI with an early breakthrough, finishing off Mikel Oyarzabal’s low cross. Oyarzabal then added two quick goals in a three-minute spell to put Spain 3-0 ahead within 24 minutes.
Saudi Arabia’s misery was compounded early in the second half when Marc Cucurella’s effort was deflected into his own net by Hassan Al-Tambakti, sealing Spain’s emphatic win.
The result strengthens Spain’s push for a place in the last 32 after their opening stalemate against Cape Verde.
Elsewhere, Cape Verde are set to face Uruguay later on Sunday as they look to build on their encouraging start, while coach Pedro Leitão Brito, popularly known as “Bubista,” insisted his side would continue to compete “without fear” against higher-ranked opposition.
In goal, 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha is expected to be supported in the stands by his mother, who has now secured a U.S. visa after initially being unable to travel for the tournament.
Belgium, meanwhile, will again be without Jeremy Doku due to respiratory illness when they face Iran, having struggled to a draw in their opening match against Egypt.
Iran remain in contention after a 2-2 draw with New Zealand, with coach Amir Ghalenoei criticising travel restrictions affecting his squad’s preparations.
On Saturday, Germany secured early qualification for the knockout stage with a late 2-1 win over Ivory Coast, while the Netherlands continued their strong form with a 5-1 rout of Sweden.
Japan also impressed, sweeping past Tunisia 4-0 in Monterrey to move level on points with the Dutch in Group F.
