Lamine Yamal's electric return sparked a 4-0 masterclass against Saudi Arabia, sending Spain to the top of Group H. Photo: IANS
Lamine Yamal's return sparked Spain's Fifa World Cup 2026 into life as the European champions ran riot to beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 in Atlanta on Sunday night.
Making his first start in two months after a hamstring injury, Yamal ended La Roja's long wait for a World Cup goal just 10 minutes in. Mikel Oyarzabal then struck twice to put Luis de la Fuente's men 3-0 up inside 24 minutes.
De la Fuente's careful management of Yamal's minutes continued as the Barcelona superstar was replaced at half-time before Hassan al-Tambakti's own goal rounded off the scoring. Victory propels Spain to the top of Group H ahead of Uruguay's meeting with Cape Verde early Monday morning.
Billed as one of the pre-tournament favourites, Spain got off to a slow start in a 0-0 draw against debutants Cape Verde. A pedestrian performance despite dominating possession only highlighted the importance of Yamal to their quest to be world champions for a second time. De la Fuente also warned his players had been "stung" by the criticism they faced following their opening result, and they responded emphatically.
