Spain vs Saudi Arabia

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World Cup · Jun 21, 2026 · 16:00 · Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Final score: Spain 4–0 Saudi Arabia

Expert tip

1X2: 1 · Rinalds

Match preview

The 2026 World Cup kicks off for Spain and Saudi Arabia on June 21st, with both nations entering the tournament with a clean slate. This opening Group Stage encounter offers an early opportunity for either side to lay down a marker and build crucial momentum. For Spain, the expectation is always high, and they will be eager to assert their technical dominance and intricate passing game from the first whistle. Their historical pedigree in major tournaments often sees them navigate early fixtures with a degree of control, and this match will be no different as they aim for a comfortable start.

Saudi Arabia, conversely, will look to harness their renowned fighting spirit and tactical discipline. Often underestimated, they have historically shown an ability to cause upsets and will be relying on their collective resilience to frustrate their European counterparts. The key narrative here revolves around Spain's ability to unlock a potentially stubborn Saudi defence, while Saudi Arabia will seek to exploit any early-tournament jitters or momentary lapses in concentration. Watch for Spain's midfield maestros dictating play and Saudi Arabia's counter-attacking threat on the break. This fixture, despite the perceived gap, could be a fascinating tactical battle as both teams vie for an all-important opening win.

Standings

Spain: #1 · 7 Pts · 3 P (2W 1D 0L)
Saudi Arabia: #4 · 2 Pts · 3 P (0W 2D 1L)

Recent form

Spain

D Jun 15, 2026: Spain 0–0 Cape Verde Islands

Saudi Arabia

D Jun 15, 2026: Saudi Arabia 1–1 Uruguay

Head-to-head

2026-06-21T16:00:00+00:00: Spain 0–0 Saudi Arabia

Lineups

Spain (Formation: 4-3-3)

23. U. Simon, 5. M. Llorente, 22. P. Cubarsi, 14. A. Laporte, 24. M. Cucurella, 8. F. Ruiz, 16. Rodri, 20. Pedri, 7. F. Torres, 21. M. Oyarzabal, 9. Gavi

Saudi Arabia (Formation: 4-4-2)

21. M. Al Owais, 12. S. Abdulhamid, 4. A. Al Amri, 5. H. Tambakti, 24. M. Al Harbi, 26. M. Abu Al Shamat, 23. M. Kanno, 15. A. Al Khaibari, 10. S. Al Dawsari, 9. F. Al Buraikan, 7. M. Al Juwayr

Match events

10' Goal Normal Goal — Lamine Yamal (Spain) (assists: M. Oyarzabal)
21' Goal Normal Goal — M. Oyarzabal (Spain) (assists: A. Laporte)
24' Goal Normal Goal — M. Oyarzabal (Spain) (assists: D. Olmo)
30' Card Yellow Card — S. Al Dawsari (Saudi Arabia)
46' subst Substitution 1 — A. Al Khaibari (Saudi Arabia) (assists: M. Kanno)
46' subst Substitution 2 — M. Al Juwayr (Saudi Arabia) (assists: A. Al Hamdan)
46' subst Substitution 1 — Lamine Yamal (Spain) (assists: Y. Pino)
46' subst Substitution 2 — M. Oyarzabal (Spain) (assists: F. Torres)
49' Goal Own Goal — H. Tambakti (Spain)
60' subst Substitution 3 — A. Al Amri (Saudi Arabia) (assists: A. Hejji)
60' Card Yellow Card — M. Kanno (Saudi Arabia)
60' subst Substitution 4 — F. Al Buraikan (Saudi Arabia) (assists: M. Abu Al Shamat)
61' subst Substitution 3 — A. Baena (Spain) (assists: N. Williams)
61' subst Substitution 4 — D. Olmo (Spain) (assists: M. Merino)
70' subst Substitution 5 — Pedri (Spain) (assists: F. Ruiz)
90'+2 Var Goal Disallowed - offside — F. Torres (Spain)
90' subst Substitution 5 — N. Al Dawsari (Saudi Arabia) (assists: K. Al Ghannam)