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Spain got their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign back on track in emphatic fashion with a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia, inspired by teenage star Lamine Yamal, who became the nation’s second-youngest World Cup goalscorer.

The Barcelona teenager had been a second-half substitute in Spain’s opening Group H game against Cape Verde. Still, he was unable to inspire his side to victory as the 2010 winners laboured to a deeply frustrating goalless draw.

As expected, the 18-year-old was restored to manager Luis de la Fuente’s starting line-up against Saudi Arabia – and he wasted little time in making his mark.

Mikel Oyarzabal’s low cross from the left evaded Saudi Arabia defender Hassan Al Tambakti before being tapped in at the far post by Lamine Yamal, who became only the second player aged 18 or younger – after Pele in 1958 – to open the scoring in a World Cup match.

Reluctant to rest on their laurels, Spain continued to swarm forward and doubled their lead through Oyarzabal, who finished low past goalkeeper Mohammad Al-Owais after Saudi Arabia had failed to clear a corner.

The Real Sociedad forward scored his second just three minutes later, sweeping home Dani Olmo’s flick-on at the far post to all but end the game as a contest.

Oyarzabal nearly completed his hat-trick with 10 minutes of the first half remaining, but he could only strike the crossbar after intercepting Al-Owais’ stray pass.

Lamine Yamal and Oyarzabal were both taken off at the interval, but their withdrawals did little to disrupt Spain’s rhythm as De la Fuente’s team continued to pin Saudi Arabia back in the second half.

Al-Owais was equal to Marc Cucurella’s powerful effort three minutes after the restart, only for the ball to rebound off Al Tambakti and into the back of the net to make it 4-0.

Spain took their foot off the gas a little after that, although half-time substitute Ferran Torres almost extended their advantage when he dragged a shot wide after being played through on goal.

Abdullah Al Hamdan registered Saudi Arabia’s only effort on target with 10 minutes remaining, before Torres had a goal disallowed for offside – following a lengthy check by the video assistant referee – deep into stoppage time.

After his lively cameo against Cape Verde on Monday, it would have been a major surprise not to see Lamine Yamal’s name in De la Fuente’s starting XI against Atalanta.

As was the case against the tournament debutants, an expectant buzz swept through the stadium whenever the ball fell to the youngster.

He has only recently recovered from a hamstring injury, but barely allowed Saudi Arabia wing-back Moteb Al-Harbi a moment’s peace early on.

His 10th-minute finish laid the foundation for a relentless first-half performance from the 2024 European champions, who could have gone into half-time with a much more handsome lead after mustering 17 attempts in the opening 45 minutes.

Oyarzabal – who didn’t touch the ball once in the first 30 minutes against Cape Verde – enjoyed a remarkable first half, becoming only the second player on record to register three direct goal involvements in the opening 25 minutes of a World Cup game, after Hungary’s Laszlo Fazekas in 1982.

While there was an element of fortune about Al Tambakti’s own goal, Spain’s four-goal lead after only 49 minutes offered an accurate reflection of their total dominance against the Green Falcons.

Georgios Donis’ side will have been relieved to avoid further damage. It will now need a positive result against Cape Verde in their final group match to avoid a sixth group-stage exit since the 1994 tournament in the USA.

As for Spain, they move top of Group H with four points from their opening two games – and will head into their game against Uruguay brimming with confidence.

Spain concludes their group campaign against Uruguay in Guadalajara, while Saudi Arabia takes on Cape Verde in Houston. Both games kick off at 01:00 BST on Saturday, 27 June.