FIFA World Cup 26™: What to look out for in Spain v Saudi Arabia 🇪🇸🇸🇦 | OneFootball

FIFA World Cup 26™: What to look out for in Spain v Saudi Arabia 🇪🇸🇸🇦 | OneFootball

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Padraig Whelan·21 June 2026

FIFA World Cup 26™: What to look out for in Spain v Saudi Arabia 🇪🇸🇸🇦

Article image:FIFA World Cup 26™: What to look out for in Spain v Saudi Arabia 🇪🇸🇸🇦

After false starts in their opening games, both Spain and Saudi Arabia will aim to pick up their first FIFA World Cup 26™ wins when they meet at Atlanta Stadium.

This is what to expect from the contest.


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Who is playing today? 👀

Spain and Saudi Arabia meet in their second Group H fixtures after picking up a point apiece in their first outings.

La Roja were on the receiving end of one of the biggest World Cup™ shocks of all time when, despite creating plenty of opportunities, they failed to break down a stubborn and resilient Cabo Verde defence in a 0-0 draw.

Saudi Arabia were unluckier not to get off to a winning start, Abdulelah Al-Amri gave them a lead against Uruguay which they held until the final 10 minutes before finally conceding in a 1-1 stalemate.


Players to watch 🔥

Article image:FIFA World Cup 26™: What to look out for in Spain v Saudi Arabia 🇪🇸🇸🇦

Ferran Torres will be desperate for an opportunity to put things right as he was perhaps the guiltiest Spanish party of spurning chances to avoid embarrassment in their opener but suggestions are that he'll make way for Dani Olmo.

Lamine Yamal appeared off the bench but it remains to be seen if he is fit enough to start. If he is, it will represent a huge boost to the European Championship holders' prospects.

Much of Saudi Arabia's attacking threat will come from the left and in particular Salem Al-Dawsari.


Must-watch video 🎥

Frustrated by Spain's opening day failures in front of goal? This should provide all the inspiration required.


Fun facts 📊

  1. Spain have won all three previous meetings with Saudi Arabia, including a 1-0 victory in the group stage of the 2006 World Cup™
  2. La Roja's 74.3% possession in their opening game is the fourth highest in the World Cup™ since records began in 1966 which didn't result in the team in question scoring a goal
  3. Mohammed Al-Owais made nine saves against Uruguay on matchday one - the only time a Saudi Arabian goalkeeper has made more in a World Cup™ fixture was Mabrouk Zayed against Spain in 2006

Our prediction 🔮

  1. Spain 2-0 Saudi Arabia
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