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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.

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The 0-0 draw keeps alive Curacao’s hopes of reaching the knockout phase, extending their fairytale journey at their first World Cup.

Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room was the hero on Saturday as the tiny Caribbean island claimed their first-ever World Cup point in a goalless draw against toothless Ecuador.

Ecuador, who finished second in South American qualifying, had 28 shots, including 15 on target in Kansas City but Room stood firm in an astonishing display between the posts.

The 0-0 draw keeps alive Curacao’s hopes of reaching the knockout phase, extending their fairytale journey at their first World Cup.

Curacao’s players celebrate at the end of the 2026 World Cup Group E football match between Ecuador and Curacao at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City on June 20, 2026.

The tiny Caribbean island — the smallest country by population ever to play on football’s biggest stage — have Miami FC goalkeeper Room to thank for their point against Ecuador.

Room’s 15 saves are the most on record, since 1966, by any goalkeeper a World Cup match that did not feature extra-time.

The draw in the American Midwest restored pride after a 7-1 hammering by Germany in their opening match.

“History! Our first ever point at the @fifaworldcup,” Curacao posted on X.

Royal backing

Ecuador fans turned the Arrowhead Stadium, the home of NFL team Kansas City Chiefs, yellow, hugely outnumbering supporters of Curacao.

But Curacao had royalty on their side in the form of Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. The island is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Curacao’s goalkeeper #01 Eloy Room makes a save past Ecuador’s forward #13 Enner Valencia during the 2026 World Cup Group E football match between Ecuador and Curacao at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City on June 20, 2026.

Out of their 26-strong squad, managed by vastly experienced Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, 25 were born in the Netherlands, and many play their football there.
The match started at a fizzing pace.

Ecuador seemed certain to open the scoring in the third minute when former West Ham forward Enner Valencia burst through the middle but Room tipped the ball around the post.
Sherel Floranus fired over at the other end as Curacao showed their pace on the break.

Ecuador captain Valencia failed to beat Room from close range before Jordy Alcivar had an effort as Ecuador continued to dominate possession.
The South American team ended the first half with 65 percent of possession but nothing to show for their dominance.

Curacao’s players celebrate in front of their fans at the end of the 2026 World Cup Group E football match between Ecuador and Curacao at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City on June 20, 2026.

They went close to breaking the deadlock just before the hour mark but Room kept out a Gonzala Plata header, before a flurry of Curacao chances.
Ecuador, more than 50 places higher than their opponents in the FIFA rankings, looked increasingly frazzled as they pressed for a goal.

They continued to pour forward and rained shots on Room’s goal but he stood firm.

Ecuador substitute Angelo Preciado mishit a cross that bounced off the top of the crossbar and went behind in the final minutes.

The Curacao players swarmed around their goalkeeper Room at the end of the match, celebrating an extraordinary point.
Ecuador have yet to score in two games at the World Cup after netting just 14 goals in 18 qualifying matches.

“There are things you cannot explain in football,” said Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece.
“We wanted to win, we didn’t do it. I am the one who is responsible and I’ve told my team, if I see that you are giving it all competing, I have no complaints. No one wants to miss out on scoring.”
Earlier, four-time champions Germany came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in Toronto, sealing their qualification for the round of 32. Curacao’s draw ensures Germany will top the group.
Ecuador will play Germany on Thursday while Curacao take on Ivory Coast.

AFP

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Brazilian football icon and former Barcelona star, Ronaldinho, has been linked with a sensational return to the sport at the age of 46 after reports emerged that he had joined Italian Serie C club Ravenna FC.

The development initially sparked excitement among football fans around the world, with reports suggesting the former World Cup winner had decided to come out of retirement more than a decade after stepping away from professional football.

Ronaldinho officially retired from the game in 2015 following a brief spell with Brazilian club Fluminense, bringing an end to one of the most celebrated careers in football history.

The former attacking midfielder enjoyed a glittering career that saw him win numerous titles, including the FIFA World Cup with Brazil, the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona, and the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.

Reports indicated that Ravenna FC, a club competing in Italy’s Serie C, had secured Ronaldinho’s signature as part of efforts to boost the club’s profile after narrowly missing promotion last season.

The club’s owner, Ignazio Cipriani, has reportedly been keen on making a major statement in the transfer market, leading to widespread speculation over Ronaldinho’s involvement.

Speaking about the move, Ronaldinho expressed excitement about beginning a new chapter associated with the club.

“New colours, same smile. I can’t wait to get back to dancing on the ball and write a new story together with Ignazio and the entire Cipriani family,” he said.

“Football has always been a source of joy for me, and I want to bring that same spirit to Ravenna.”

Cipriani also spoke glowingly about the Brazilian legend, describing him as his childhood football idol and one of the players who inspired him growing up.

“Acquiring Ronaldinho is absolutely extraordinary for the club. He was my idol and his impact on football goes beyond what he did on the pitch,” he said.

However, as excitement continued to build, conflicting reports emerged regarding the nature of Ronaldinho’s relationship with the club.

While some reports claimed the football legend had signed as a player, others suggested the arrangement was primarily intended for promotional and marketing purposes rather than competitive football.

The speculation was eventually addressed by Ravenna FC honorary vice-president, Ariedo Braida, who clarified that Ronaldinho would not be playing for the club in Serie C.

According to Braida, the Brazilian is expected to participate in marketing and publicity activities connected to the club but will not feature in official matches.

“Ronaldinho will do a marketing event with us, but he won’t play for Ravenna in Serie C next season,” Braida told The Sun.

“I wish he were still able to play. Dinho was a phenomenon and was a wonderful player.”

Braida also revealed that he shares a long-standing relationship with Ronaldinho dating back to their time together at AC Milan.

“I have a beautiful relationship with him from the Milan days, but he won’t play in Serie C with us,” he added.

The clarification appears to have ended speculation about a competitive comeback for the football legend, although his association with Ravenna is still expected to generate significant international attention.

Despite not returning to professional action, Ronaldinho remains one of the most beloved figures in football history, renowned for his extraordinary skill, creativity, and ability to entertain fans across the globe throughout his illustrious career.