Spain seek statement win
Spain will seek a statement win in the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they face Saudi Arabia in a Group H match at the Atlanta Stadium on the evening of Sunday 21 June. Kick-off at 6pm CAT.
Form
Spain, regarded as one of the outright favourites to win this World Cup, endured a stuttering start when they were held 0-0 by debutants Cape Verde in Atlanta last Monday evening.
La Roja (The Red One) naturally enjoyed the majority of possession and created numerous chances, but a lack of ruthlessness – and a fine showing by Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha – allowed the African island nation to secure a famous result.
Was the match merely a slow start for Spain (who famously lost their opening match in South Africa 2010 before going on to win the World Cup), or a sign that Luis de la Fuente’s side are not as cohesive and unified as they were when winning the last European Championship in 2024? Sunday’s match will go a long way in providing an answer.
As for Saudi Arabia, their tournament opened with a 1-1 draw against Uruguay in Miami. The Green Falcons appeared to be on course for another famous win over South American opposition (having downed eventual champions Argentina in the group stage in Qatar 2022) thanks to Abdulelah Al-Amri’s first-half goal, but Max Araujo netted an equaliser late on.
Saudi Arabia showed their defensive organisation and resilience in the course of the match – characteristics that will serve them well against a Spain team which is almost certain to dominate possession and force the Asian side to defend deep.
What the teams are saying
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente
“We lacked freshness and finesse. We need to keep working on our approach, improving our finishing, being more clinical. These are the kinds of matches where you create a lot of chances, but we lacked the necessary sharpness.”
Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis
“When we're faced with certain opponents, getting one point is a positive event and this is a booster for our psychology. Currently I'm trying to learn my team; I'm trying to learn my players and get to know them.”
Players to watch
Spain – Lamine Yamal
The Barcelona winger added a new dimension and intensity to Spain’s attack when he came off the bench against Cape Verde, and it’s likely that he will be given a starting role by coach Luis de la Fuente after proving his fitness.
Saudi Arabia – Abdulelah Al-Amri
The Al Nassr defender gave an excellent performance against Uruguay, both scoring the opening goal and leading his backline with authority and intensity. He will need to reproduce that kind of showing against Spain.
Head-to-head
Spain have won all three previous matches they have had against Saudi Arabia, the most recent of which was a 5-0 triumph in an international friendly in Pontevedra in 2012. The teams first met in the group stage of the 2006 World Cup, with Spain winning 1-0 in Kaiserslautern.
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