Lamine Yamal marks Spain return with early opener against Saudi Arabia

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·22 June 2026

Lamine Yamal marks Spain return with early opener against Saudi Arabia

Lamine Yamal marked his return to Spain’s starting XI by opening the scoring in the 11th minute against Saudi Arabia in Atlanta, in World Cup Group H on Sunday. That was Spain’s first goal of the tournament.

The Barcelona winger, 18, had begun the opener on the bench after a left thigh injury, a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde. Restored to the line-up, he made an immediate impact.

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Yamal arrived to meet a superb drilled cross from Mikel Oyarzabal and prodded in from close range.

The early strike eased Spain’s task against a compact Saudi side set up in a low block.

He also became the second youngest player to score the opener in a World Cup match, behind Pelé for Brazil against Wales in 1958. There are worse comparisons.

Source: L'Équipe