History Made! Lamine Yamal Lights Up World Cup As Spain Humiliate Saudi Arabia

The 18-year-old struck after just 10 minutes in Atlanta, calmly finishing at the back post from a pinpoint cross by Mikel Oyarzabal to give Spain an early advantage.

That strike placed Yamal in the record books at 18 years and 343 days, behind only Gavi, who scored for Spain at 18 years and 110 days during the 2022 World Cup win over Costa Rica.

Following a disappointing opening draw against Cape Verde, Spain controlled proceedings from the start and doubled their lead in the 21st minute. Saudi Arabia failed to clear a corner, and Oyarzabal pounced quickest in the box to finish.

Just three minutes later, Oyarzabal added his second goal, converting from close range after connecting with a Dani Olmo flick-on, putting Spain firmly in control before the half-hour mark.

Saudi Arabia’s situation worsened early in the second half when Marc Cucurella’s powerful shot was saved by Mohammed Al-Owais, but the rebound deflected off Hassan Al Tambakti and into the net for an own goal in the 49th minute.

The scoreline could have been even more one-sided, as substitute Ferran Torres appeared to have added a fifth in stoppage time, only for VAR to disallow the goal for offside after a lengthy review.

Frustration grew within the Saudi side, with Salem Al Dawsari and Mohamed Kanno both booked as they struggled to cope with Spain’s relentless attacking pressure.

The win extends Spain’s unbeaten run to 12 matches and significantly strengthens their chances of topping the group after their earlier setback. For Saudi Arabia, qualification hopes now hinge on a crucial result against Cape Verde in their final group fixture.