Mundial 2026 player ratings: Spain sweep Saudi Arabia as Lamine Yamal scores on debut | OneFootball

Spain restored a sense of favouritism at Mundial 2026 with a commanding win over Saudi Arabia, days after a goalless draw with Cape Verde. Luis de la Fuente managed minutes, resting Lamine Yamal once the job was done and giving Mikel Merino and Nico Williams time to build rhythm.

According to Superdeporte, Spain were utterly superior before the interval. They struck three, Lamine Yamal scoring on his World Cup debut and Oyarzabal adding two while setting up the opener.

The tempo eased after half-time, the control did not. Spain pressed without the same edge and Marc Cucurella's volley led to an own goal.

Unai Simón had little to do. Pedro Porro combined with Lamine to good effect, while Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte were rarely troubled at the back. Rodri linked everything with crisp touches.

Pedri was outstanding and was withdrawn with about 20 minutes left. Dani Olmo set the tone then made way, and Álex Baena's outside-of-the-boot pass released Oyarzabal to tee up Lamine Yamal. Ferran Torres replaced Oyarzabal and squandered a clear chance, while Yéremi Pino could not find penetration.

Mikel Merino was reintroduced with the game settled, the Arsenal midfielder adding minutes. Nico Williams struggled to impose himself and Fabián Ruíz offered little spark.

Source: Superdeporte