The Spanish team responded when they needed it most. After a debut full of questions, the team led by Luis de la Fuente recovered its best version and crushed Saudi Arabia 4-0 on the second day of the 2026 World Cup, driven by a brilliant performance by Lamine Yamal and the scoring reunion of Mikel Oyarzabal.

The victory not only revitalizes Spanish aspirations in the World Cup, but also puts La Roja in a favorable position to seal their qualification for the round of 32 on the last date of the group stage.

Lamine Yamal changes the face of Spain

The big news in the Spanish lineup was Lamine Yamal's first World Cup start, and the young attacker responded immediately.

From the first minutes he became the most unbalanced footballer on the pitch. His speed, tackling ability and creativity created constant problems for the Saudi defense, which never found a way to contain him.

The reward came in the 10th minute, when the winger opened the scoring with his first goal in a World Cup, culminating an action that reflected Spanish superiority from the beginning.

The performance of the young talent confirmed what many anticipated: with him on the field, Spain regains a different offensive dimension and a greater ability to break closed defenses.

Oyarzabal responds with a decisive double

If Lamine Yamal was the most explosive player in the match, Mikel Oyarzabal was the most effective man.

The forward left behind the criticism that arose after his debut and put in a decisive performance with two goals in just three minutes. First he took advantage of a collective action to extend the lead and, shortly after, he reappeared inside the area to punish the Saudi defensive errors.

In addition to the double, Oyarzabal participated in the play for the first goal and closed a night of personal vindication that reinforces his role within Luis de la Fuente's scheme.

Luis de la Fuente's changes pay off

Spain presented a different version compared to the one shown in its World Cup premiere. The technician opted for modifications in both names and operation, and the response was immediate.

The additions of Pedro Porro, Álex Baena, Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal provided greater depth and speed to the circulation of the ball.

With Pedri and Rodri controlling the timing from midfield, the Spanish team dominated possession and frequently found spaces to create danger.

The collective improvement was evident and allowed the team to regain confidence after a start to the tournament below expectations.

An own goal ends the win

Spain's constant pressure ended up causing more errors in Saudi Arabia.

In the second half, a shot by Marc Cucurella ended up deflecting off Hassan Altambakti, who put the ball into his own goal to score the fourth goal of the night.

Spanish dominance was already absolute and the scoreboard fairly reflected the difference shown on the pitch.

Spain regains confidence towards the decisive phase

Beyond the result, the main news for Spain is the recovery of sensations.

After a debut that left doubts, La Roja showed intensity, offensive depth and a much closer version that made them one of the favorite teams to advance in the tournament.

With Lamine Yamal as a figure, Oyarzabal rediscovering the goal and a more solid collective performance, Luis de la Fuente's team will face its last match of the group stage with the possibility of definitively securing its place in the next round.

The reaction arrived on time and Spain once again sends a clear message in the 2026 World Cup: it continues to be a team capable of competing against anyone when it finds its best football.