Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente praised his team’s performance after a commanding 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in their second Group H match at the 2026 World Cup at Atlanta Stadium, United States, on Sunday. The result strengthened Spain’s push toward the round of 32, with La Roja in full control from the opening stages.
Spain opened the scoring in the 10th minute through Lamine Yamal, who converted a precise assist from Mikel Oyarzabal. The goal marked Yamal’s first in a World Cup finals tournament. Oyarzabal then took center stage, scoring twice in quick succession in the 21st and 24th minutes to give Spain a 3-0 lead before halftime.
Spain maintained their dominance after the break and added a fourth goal in the 49th minute when Hassan Al-Tombakti turned the ball into his own net under pressure. The 4-0 scoreline remained unchanged as Spain controlled possession and tempo throughout the match.
De la Fuente said he was pleased with his team’s intensity and execution, particularly in the first half when Spain imposed their game plan from the start.
“We played an excellent first half and a good second half as well,” De la Fuente said, according to FIFA. “Most importantly, this allows us to maintain momentum and face the important matches ahead. Uruguay will be a difficult and demanding match.”
The 65-year-old coach said Spain had responded well after their previous outing, emphasizing a more aggressive and vertical approach in attack.
“We reviewed it with the players and we all agreed we needed more vertical play and intensity,” he said. “You could see it in our shots — from the first minute we suffocated the opponent and pushed them back into their own penalty area. We are very happy with that approach, but we must continue to grow and improve.”
De la Fuente also addressed the performances of Lamine Yamal and Oyarzabal, highlighting their importance to Spain’s system. He said Yamal is now physically ready to complete full matches, while Oyarzabal continues to deliver despite minor fitness concerns.
“Lamine is now in perfect condition to play a full match,” he said. “And what can we say about Oyarzabal? He had a small issue — you cannot share everything — but he always delivers an outstanding performance.”
He added that managing Yamal’s minutes remains part of Spain’s broader development plan.
“It’s also good to take him off at the right time, to keep him motivated and hungry for more,” De la Fuente said.
