Spain demolished Saudi Arabia 4‑0 in Atlanta, with 18‑year‑old Lamine Yamal netting the first goal just ten minutes into his World Cup start. The forward slid to the far post, opening the tally and sparking a flurry that saw Spain regain momentum after a 0‑0 draw with Cape Verde.

After missing Barcelona’s final matches with a hamstring strain, Yamal entered as a second‑half substitute in the opener. Mikel Oyarzabal supplied the assist and added two more goals in the 21st and 24th minutes, cementing Spain’s status as a pre‑tournament favorite and resetting their World Cup ambitions.

With a clean 4‑0 win, Spain sits at the top of Group A, sealing a spot in the knockout stage before facing Uruguay in Zapopan. The match against Saudi Arabia left the latter still alive, but their final game versus Cape Verde will determine if they can advance.

Yamal’s goal made him the eighth‑youngest scorer in World Cup history, a milestone that fuels speculation he will replace legends like Messi and Ronaldo. His celebration—praying and kissing the turf—captured global attention, underscoring his emerging status as football’s next superstar.