The Spanish winger scored his first goal of the World Cup to inspire a dominant 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia, but concerns were raised when he was withdrawn at half-time before later explaining that the decision had been planned from the start.Lamine Yamal has explained why he was substituted at half-time during Spain’s convincing 4-0 World Cup win against Saudi Arabia after his early exit sparked injury concerns among fans.The 18-year-old Barcelona star was one of Spain’s best players during the opening 45 minutes, scoring his first World Cup goal and helping Luis de la Fuente’s side recover from a disappointing goalless draw against Cape Verde in their opening Group H game.With Yamal having recently returned from a hamstring problem and only being restored to the starting line-up, many fans feared the winger had suffered another setback when he was withdrawn at the break.However, Yamal was quick to reassure fans that he had no injury problems and revealed that the substitution had been agreed before kick-off.
Spain responds to Cape Verde’s disappointment
Spain entered the match under pressure after a frustrating 0-0 draw against Cape Verde in the tournament opener. Despite arriving as reigning European champions and one of the favorites for the World Cup, La Roja have struggled to find breakthroughs, raising questions about their attacking sharpness and making the clash with Saudi Arabia all the more important.De la Fuente responded by bringing Yamal back into the starting XI, and the teenager immediately provided the spark that Spain had been missing.The breakthrough came early on when Yamal showed determination to get in at the back post and convert Mikel Oyarzabal’s cross to open the scoring and register the first World Cup goal of his career.
Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais fails to stop Spain’s Lamine Yamal’s opener during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Spain and Saudi Arabia in Atlanta, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Oyarzabal, who endured a tough game against Cape Verde, responded impressively by scoring twice, while Saudi Arabia’s Hassan Al Tambakti added an own goal after Marc Cucurella’s volley was deflected into his own net as Spain cruised to a 4-0 victory.The result took La Roja to four points from two matches and left them in a strong position to reach the knockout stages ahead of their final group game against Uruguay.
Yamal realizes the dream of the World Cup
Apart from the result, the match had a great personal significance for Yamal because it was his first start at the World Cup and he marked it with a goal.“It was very special, I’ve always dreamed of being in the World Cup and to be able to score in the first game as a starter is a dream,” said Yamal.“The second World Cup I watched in class and to be able to score here with my mother and family watching is a dream.”
Spain’s Lamine Yamal celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Spain and Saudi Arabia in Atlanta, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Erik S.Lesser)
His goal also secured a place in the World Cup record books. At 18 years and 343 days, Yamal became the seventh youngest scorer in the history of the tournament, putting him just ahead of Lionel Messi on the all-time list. Pelé remains the youngest goalscorer after scoring at 17 years and 239 days.
Why was it taken down?
Despite being arguably Spain’s best player in the first half, Yamal was substituted at the break along with Oyarzabal.The decision surprised many supporters, but Yamal confirmed that it was purely tactical.The plan was to go out for half the part and rest, but above all to help the team, he explained.With Spain already three goals ahead by half-time, De la Fuente decided to manage the workload of two key attacking players and ensure they stay fresh for the challenges ahead, particularly the upcoming clash with Uruguay.Yamal also revealed that Spain were motivated by the frustration of the first draw.“The first game was something that wasn’t us, it was different, but we’ve already arrived and we’re moving on.“We want a draw that we know you have to get, it made us think a lot, to get to this game as we wanted.”Spain now head into their final group full of confidence, with Yamal fit, refreshed and central to their hopes of going big at the 2026 World Cup.
