LONDON: Spanish knowhow is helping Saudi Arabian football to develop and at the same time using that inside knowledge to warn their countrymen to expect a tough test in Sunday’s crucial 2026 World Cup clash in Atlanta. Before the 48-team tournament kicked off, few predicted that these two teams would be level on points after the opening games in Group H as Saudi Arabia drew 1-1 with Uruguay, and Spain were, much more surprisingly, held to a 0-0 draw by debutants Cape Verde. That result has led to a lot of criticism coming the way of the coach Luis de la Fuente in the Spanish media.

Saudi Arabia returned to training after its draw with Uruguay, with coach Georgios Donis beginning preparations for Sunday's key World Cup match against Spain.

Spain return to action on Sunday in Atlanta needing a response, not just in result but in performance, after a flat opening draw that has already...