Lamine Yamal’s 1st World Cup goal nearly breaks all-time Spain record

Spain made light work of Saudi Arabia in Atlanta, winning 4-0 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H match Sunday, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring twice and Lamine Yamal shining on his first start with a historic goal.

Yamal (18 years and 343 days) scored in the 10th minute from a low cross whipped in by Oyarzabal. This made him the eighth youngest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history and the second youngest Spanish scorer at a World Cup, behind Gavi, who scored at 18 years and 110 days in 2022 against Costa Rica. He also became only the second player aged 18 or younger to open the scoring in a World Cup match, following Pele, who did so at 17 years old in 1958 against Wales.

Spain took control early, with Oyarzabal finding the net twice in quick succession. His first goal came in the 21st minute from close range, followed by another in the 24th minute, both finished inside a three-minute stretch.

Oyarzabal’s performance included a record-level contribution, as he became the only player on record since 1966 to score twice and provide an assist within the opening 25 minutes of a World Cup match. He also nearly completed a hat-trick, striking the crossbar after collecting a loose back pass from Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais.

Spain extended their lead early in the second half when Marc Cucurella’s effort from a corner was saved by Al Owais, only for defender Hassan Altambakti to deflect the rebound into his own net four minutes after the restart.

Both Yamal and Oyarzabal were substituted at half-time after Spain built a comfortable lead.

After a disappointing goalless draw against tournament debutants Cape Verde, Spain now sit on four points from two Group H matches, while Saudi Arabia remain on just one point after the loss.

A point against Uruguay in their final fixture next Sunday should be enough for Spain to clinch a spot in the Round of 32. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia will need to regroup before facing Cabo Verde.

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