Yamal’s Early Goal Fuels Spain Romp in World Cup

Monday, June 22, 2026

Spain defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0 in the World Cup, with teenage forward Lamine Yamal scoring early in his first start to become one of the youngest goal scorers in tournament history. This win boosts Spain's standing in Group D as the competition moves closer to the knockout phase, where the United States is also advancing.

Spain secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia on Sunday in Atlanta, propelled by an early goal from teenage forward Lamine Yamal. The 18-year-old scored just 10 minutes into his first World Cup start, becoming the eighth-youngest player to find the net in the tournament’s history. His opening goal helped ease the pressure following Spain’s unexpected goalless draw against Cape Verde in their opening match.

Yamal, a Barcelona winger and one of the sport’s most promising young talents, had been sidelined for part of the season with a hamstring injury. Despite concerns about his fitness, he made an immediate impact by scoring on a well-placed finish after receiving a low cross from Mikel Oyarzabal, who contributed two goals in the match. Yamal expressed his excitement after the game, recalling how he watched the previous World Cup from a classroom and now scored in front of his family at the tournament. Saudi Arabia’s coach Georgios Donis praised Yamal’s skill, noting his ability to make a difference whenever on the field.

The victory put Spain in a stronger position in the group stage as the tournament progresses toward the knockout phase. Spain is competing in Group D, where the United States has also moved forward with wins over Paraguay (4-1) and Australia (2-0). The U.S. is set to face Turkey on Thursday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, as both teams seek to advance.

Elsewhere in the World Cup, Cape Verde, appearing in their first-ever tournament, continued to surprise by drawing 2-2 with Uruguay in Miami Gardens, Florida. Cape Verde’s Kevin Pina opened the scoring with a free kick, marking the nation’s first World Cup goal, while goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, attracted attention for his strong performances. Uruguay’s Maxi Araujo and Agustin Canobbio also scored in the match.

Egypt secured its first-ever World Cup win by rallying from an early deficit to defeat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Finn Surman initially put New Zealand ahead, but Egypt’s Mostafa Zico, Mohamed Salah, and Trezeguet scored in the second half to secure the victory.

In other Group matches, Belgium held Iran to a 0-0 draw in Inglewood, California. Belgium dominated possession and shot attempts but were reduced to 10 men after defender Nathan Ngoy received a red card late in the game. The match ended without a breakthrough for either side.

Upcoming fixtures include Argentina vs. Austria in Arlington, Texas, where Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who turns 39 this week and shares the record for most World Cup goals (16) with Miroslav Klose, will seek to extend his scoring record. Also scheduled are France vs. Iraq in Philadelphia and Norway vs. Senegal in East Rutherford, New Jersey, featuring stars like Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.

The group stage continues through June 27, leading into the knockout round starting July 1. The tournament final is set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.