Spain meet Saudi Arabia in a crucial Group H clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Victory would lift Spain to the top of Group H for at least a few hours, whilst Saudi Arabia can go top with a win.
Team News
Victor Munoz is ruled out for Spain with a muscle injury, having been an unused substitute in their shock goalless draw against Cape Verde.
Lamine Yamal will continue to have his game time managed due to a recent hamstring injury, meaning that he is likely to again be utilised as an impact substitute off the bench.
Saudi Arabia have no fresh injury concerns after their 1-1 draw against Uruguay, with a full squad available for selection.
When is Kick-Off?
Spain meet Saudi Arabia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, USA, on Sunday 21 June at 12pm EDT (5pm BST), live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Spain won their only previous World Cup meeting against Saudi Arabia by a 1-0 result in June 2006.
- Saudi Arabia are yet to beat Spain across three previous meetings in all competitions (L3), during which they scored nine goals and conceded twice.
- 10 of Spain’s 27 shots against Cape Verde were produced by Fabian Ruiz and Mikel Oyarzabal – with the pair having registered five shots each, of which they both converted one shot onto target.
- Saudi Arabia’s Abdulelah Al-Amri put both of his two shots onto target against Uruguay, which included their opening goal.
Prediction
Having lacked the variety and creativity to break down Cape Verde’s defence, this is now do-or-die for Spain’s hopes of finishing in the top two of this group with Uruguay to come in their final group match, so I expect a serious reaction from them here.
Saudi Arabia though can’t be underestimated after they held Uruguay in difficult temperatures and were clinical in one of their spells in control, although they were absolutely outclassed in the second half yet dug in defensively to secure a draw and they will need more of the same if want a surprise win.
Although Spain on paper should have too much quality, I can see Saudi Arabia causing similar defensive frustrations as Cape Verde did so another draw would set things up for a huge finale pair of group matches.
Prediction: Spain 1-1 Saudi Arabia
Result: Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia