Spain announced their arrival at the 2026 World Cup with a commanding 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, erasing memories of their opening stalemate with Cape Verde. The European champions looked transformed from their toothless display days earlier, delivering a performance that justified their pre-tournament favorite status.

Lamine Yamal led the charge, netting his first World Cup goal just 10 minutes in with a poacher's finish that broke an unwanted record. Spain completed 39 passes before scoring - the most by any team at this tournament - and became the first nation since Germany in 2014 to score three goals within 25 minutes. The 18-year-old Barcelona winger, already tasked with the Lionel Messi role at club level, showed why he belongs among football's elite.

Mikel Oyarzabal silenced critics from the Cape Verde match by scoring twice, while Marc Cucurella forced an own goal after the break. The statistical contrast was stark: Spain's expected goals jumped from 1.1 to 1.87, shots increased from 13 to 17, and big chances tripled to three.

This wasn't just about individual brilliance - it proved Spain's squad depth can maintain intensity when it matters. Having already matched Pele's feat as the second teenager to score in World Cup history, Yamal has ignited Spain's trophy charge with substance to complement his obvious talent.