[2026 World Cup] Spain Regains Status as Title Contender with 4-0 Rout of Saudi Arabia

Oyarzabal Shines with Two Goals and an Assist
Belgium Held to Second Draw... 0-0 Stalemate Against Iran

After a disappointing 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in the first match of the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup group stage, Spain restored its reputation as a top contender with a resounding victory over Saudi Arabia in the second match.

On June 22 (Korean time), at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia, USA, Spain overwhelmed Saudi Arabia 4-0 in the Group H second match of the 2026 FIFA CONCACAF World Cup group stage, led by Mikel Oyarzabal's outstanding performance with two goals and one assist.

Spain displayed a completely different level of finishing compared to the frustrating first match, dominating Saudi Arabia. The opening goal came just 10 minutes into the game. Spanish rising star Lamine Yamal was the scorer. Oyarzabal broke through on the left flank and sent in a low cross, which Yamal lightly tapped in with his right foot to shake the net.

Mikel Oyarzabal of Spain celebrates after scoring a goal in the second match of Group H in the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup group stage against Saudi Arabia at the Atlanta Stadium in Georgia, USA on the 22nd (Korean time). Photo by AP Yonhap News

Oyarzabal took matters into his own hands in the 31st minute of the first half. After a corner kick, he found the net with a right-footed shot amid a scramble inside the Saudi penalty area. Riding this momentum, he added another goal just three minutes later, slotting in a pass from Dani Olmo with his left foot inside the box to make it 3-0.

Spain scored its fourth goal in the 4th minute of the second half. In a corner kick situation, Olmo again headed the ball on, and Marc Cucurella collected it and attempted a left-footed shot. Although Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais saved Cucurella's shot, the rebound struck defender Hassan Al-Tambakti and went into the net, resulting in an own goal for Saudi Arabia.

With this huge victory, Spain climbed to the top of Group H with 4 points (1 win, 1 draw).

Belgium, meanwhile, continued to struggle, recording another draw in the second match after a frustrating first game.

Belgium drew 0-0 with Iran in the Group G second match of the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup group stage, held at Los Angeles Stadium in California, USA, on this day.

Belgium dominated with 70% possession and outshot Iran 23-7, but suffered from poor finishing. They managed seven shots on target, but each time were denied by Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand's saves.

Belgium's situation worsened in the 21st minute of the second half when center-back Nathan Ngoy was sent off, and they ultimately failed to find the net.

Having drawn both matches, Belgium will play its final group stage match against New Zealand on June 27.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.