Lamine Yamal needed only ten minutes to make his mark on the scoresheet in his very first FIFA World Cup start, delivering an early breakthrough for Spain.
Following a frustrating draw with Cabo Verde in their opening fixture, Luis de la Fuente’s men were under pressure to respond strongly against Saudi Arabia. They did just that, showing intent right from the start.
Just ten minutes into the match, a dangerous cross flashed across the face of goal and found Yamal at the far post, where the youngster calmly slotted the ball into the net.
With this strike, Yamal became only the second player aged 18 or younger to open the scoring in a World Cup match — the only other to do so being the legendary 17-year-old Pelé for Brazil against Wales in 1958. It was a moment that placed Yamal in elite company and underscored his immense promise.
Spain’s momentum didn’t stop there. Within the next ten minutes, Mikel Oyarzabal struck twice in quick succession, extending their lead with a rapid-fire double and effectively sealing control of the match early on.
After a subdued start to their campaign, Spain — and in particular their teenage star Yamal — have now truly announced their arrival on the global stage.
📸 Photo: Justin Setterfield – 2026 Getty Images
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