**This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, PC Master Deals earns from qualifying purchases.**
# World Cup 2026: Spain Torch Saudi Arabia 3-0 as Yamal & Oyarzabal Shine
## Spain Hit Back in Style After Cape Verde Shock
Spain delivered a statement performance in Group H of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, dismantling Saudi Arabia 3-0 in a one-sided affair that showcased La Roja’s devastating attacking firepower. After being held to a shock 0-0 draw by tournament debutants Cape Verde in their opener, Luis de la Fuente’s side came out with a point to prove — and they made it within 24 minutes.
### First-Half Blitz Seals the Game
The match was effectively over inside the opening 25 minutes. Barcelona’s teenage sensation **Lamine Yamal** opened the scoring in the 10th minute, coolly slotting home after a slick passing move cut through the Saudi defense. It was Yamal’s second goal of the tournament and a reminder that despite his youth, he remains Spain’s most dangerous attacking outlet.
Real Sociedad striker **Mikel Oyarzabal** then took center stage, bagging a quick-fire brace in the 21st and 24th minutes. Both goals came from identical patterns — patient possession football pulling the Saudi defense out of shape before Oyarzabal found space in the box to finish clinically. At 3-0 inside 24 minutes, the contest was dead.
### Group H Picture Taking Shape
With this result, Spain move to 4 points in Group H, level with Uruguay who face Cape Verde later today. Cape Verde, the tournament’s Cinderella story after their heroic draw against Spain, now face a critical test against Uruguay — a win would put them in pole position for knockout qualification.
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, sit bottom of the group with 0 points from two matches and face an uphill battle to progress.
### Today’s Other World Cup Action
**Group G** also sees crucial action today:
| Match | Time (ET) | Group |
|—|—|—|
| **Belgium vs Iran** | 12:00 PM | Group G |
| **Uruguay vs Cape Verde** | 3:00 PM | Group H |
| **New Zealand vs Egypt** | 6:00 PM | Group G |
Belgium, one of the tournament favorites, take on a resilient Iran side in what promises to be a tactical battle. Later, Egypt face New Zealand in a match both teams will see as winnable — expect the Pharaohs’ attack led by Mohamed Salah to test the All Whites’ defense.
### Spain’s Tournament Trajectory
After an underwhelming start against Cape Verde, Spain have responded emphatically. The midfield trio of Rodri, Pedri, and Gavi controlled possession as expected, but it was the directness in the final third that stood out — a welcome evolution from the tiki-taka stereotypes. If Spain can maintain this ruthlessness, they’ll be a serious threat in the knockout rounds.
### Upcoming World Cup Schedule (June 22-23)
| Date | Matches |
|—|—|
| **June 22** | Norway vs Cameroon, France vs Senegal, Argentina vs Algeria, England vs Morocco |
| **June 23** | Portugal vs South Korea, Brazil vs Ghana, Netherlands vs Japan, Germany vs Sweden |
—
## FAQ
### Can Spain still top Group H?
Yes. If Uruguay drop points against Cape Verde, Spain can top the group with a win in their final group match. Even a draw might be enough depending on goal difference.
### Is Lamine Yamal the youngest player at the 2026 World Cup?
At 18, Yamal is among the youngest, but several players from African and Asian nations are also 18 or 19. Regardless, he’s already one of the tournament’s standout performers.
### When do the World Cup knockout stages start?
The Round of 32 kicks off on June 28, immediately after the group stage concludes on June 27.
### How does the 48-team format work?
The expanded 2026 World Cup features 16 groups of 3 teams each. The top 2 from each group (32 teams) advance to a traditional knockout bracket.
—
## Final Verdict
**Spain are back on track.** After a frustrating start, this 3-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia sends a clear message: underestimate La Roja at your own risk. With Yamal in electric form and Oyarzabal finding his scoring touch, Spain look capable of a deep run. The real test comes in the knockout rounds, but for now — Spain are clicking.
—
*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, PC Master Deals earns from qualifying purchases.*
**Related:**
– [Cape Verde Stuns Spain: World Cup 2026 Day 5 Roundup](https://blog.pcmasterdeals.com/world-cup-2026-day-5-roundup-tunisia-makes-history-with-manager-sacking-cape-verde-stuns-spain/)
– [Messi Hat-Trick, Mbappe Record Highlight World Cup 2026 Thrills](https://blog.pcmasterdeals.com/messi-hat-trick-mbappe-record-highlight-world-cup-2026-thrills/)