Sports
Yamal Inspires Spain to Emphatic World Cup Victory Over Saudi Arabia
- June 21, 2026
- 3 min read min Read
Lamine Yamal marked his return to the Spain squad in style, scoring as the European champions cruised to a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia on Sunday to revive their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
The 18-year-old winger, making his first start in two months after recovering from a hamstring injury, opened the scoring in the 10th minute of the Group H clash in Atlanta. Yamal arrived unmarked at the back post to convert Mikel Oyarzabal’s low cross and set Spain on course for a dominant win.
Spain entered the match determined to respond after a surprising goalless draw against Cape Verde in their tournament opener. With Yamal back in the lineup, La Roja looked far more threatening and quickly overwhelmed their opponents.
Oyarzabal doubled Spain’s advantage before adding a second goal just three minutes later, giving the Spaniards a commanding 3-0 lead after only 24 minutes.
The fourth goal arrived shortly after the restart. Marc Cucurella’s effort was initially saved by Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais, but the rebound struck defender Hassan Al-Tambakti and rolled into the net for an own goal.
The convincing victory moves Spain to the top of Group H with four points from two matches.
Cape Verde Aim to Continue Fairytale Run
Cape Verde, who stunned Spain with a goalless draw in their opening game, will seek to join the group leaders on four points when they face Uruguay in Miami later on Sunday.
Head coach Pedro Leitao Brito, popularly known as “Bubista,” insisted his side will continue to approach the tournament with confidence.
“We didn’t come just to participate,” Bubista said. “We want to show that we have the quality to compete with the best teams in the world. Our aim is to play with courage, organisation and without fear.”
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, whose heroics frustrated Spain, will have extra motivation after his mother, Ana Candida Evora, secured a US visa and arrived in Miami to watch him play.
Belgium and Iran Seek Improvement
Belgium will once again be without winger Jeremy Doku as they prepare to face Iran. Doku remains sidelined with respiratory problems after missing Belgium’s opening draw against Egypt.
Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei revealed that travel restrictions affecting his squad are expected to be eased ahead of their final group match against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. However, he suggested the challenges had negatively impacted his team’s performances.
Despite those difficulties, Iran remain in contention after drawing 2-2 with New Zealand in their opening fixture.
Egypt and New Zealand meet in the other Group H encounter on Sunday in Vancouver.
Germany Reach Knockout Stage
Germany became one of the first teams to secure a place in the knockout rounds after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast on Saturday, sealed by a stoppage-time winner.
The result marks Germany’s first progression beyond the group stage since the 2014 World Cup.
Germany’s qualification was further strengthened when Curacao, the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup with a population of around 160,000, held Ecuador to a shock 0-0 draw in Kansas City. The result guaranteed Germany top spot in Group E with one match remaining.
Netherlands and Japan Shine
Elsewhere, the Netherlands moved closer to qualification with an impressive 5-1 win over Sweden in Houston.
Japan joined the Dutch on four points after easing to a 4-0 victory over Tunisia in Monterrey, Mexico. The match was a historic occasion, becoming the 1,000th game in FIFA World Cup history.This version tightens the structure, improves flow, and follows a standard sports-news format.
Latest Posts
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
NDC Reps Candidate Wiper Attends Niece’s Wedding in France
July 26, 2026 New -
5