Spanish player Lamine Yamal warms up during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Spain and Cape Verde in Atlanta, Monday, June 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
The Spanish winger scored his first ever World Cup goal and inspired a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia, but concerns arose when he was withdrawn at half-time before later clarifying that the decision had been planned from the start.Lamin Yamal explained why he was substituted at half-time during Spain’s emphatic 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia in the World Cup after his early exit sparked injury fears among fans.The 18-year-old Barcelona star was one of Spain’s best players during the first 45 minutes, scoring his first ever World Cup goal and helping Luis de la Fuente’s side come back from a disappointing goalless draw against Cape Verde in their opening Group H match.With Yamal having recently returned from a hamstring injury and had only just been brought back into the starting lineup, many fans feared the winger would suffer another setback when he was withdrawn at half-time.However, Yamal quickly reassured fans that there was no injury issue, revealing that the substitution had been arranged before kick-off.
Spain responds after Cape Verde’s disappointment
Spain entered the match under pressure after a frustrating 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in the opening match of the tournament.
Despite arriving as European champions and one of the favorites to win the World Cup, La Roja’s side have struggled to find a breakthrough, raising questions about their attacking intensity and making the clash with Saudi Arabia all the more important.De la Fuente responded by bringing Yamal back into the starting lineup, and the youngster immediately provided the spark Spain had been missing.The lead came early when Yamal showed his determination to slide in at the back post and convert a cross from Mikel Oyarzabal, opening the scoring and scoring the first World Cup goal of his career.
Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais fails to stop Spain’s Lamine Yamal’s opening goal during the FIFA World Cup Group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia in Atlanta, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Oyarzabal, who suffered a difficult match against Cape Verde, responded impressively by scoring two goals, while Saudi Hassan Al-Tembakti added an own goal after converting a Mark Cucurella shot into his own net to lead Spain to a 4-0 victory.The result raised La Roja’s tally to four points from two matches, leaving it in a strong position to reach the knockout stages before its final group stage match against Uruguay.
Yamal achieves his dream in the World Cup
Aside from the result, the match had great personal significance for Yamal because it was his first start in the World Cup and he scored a goal in it.“It was very special,” Yamal said. “I have always dreamed of being in the World Cup and to be able to score in the first match as a starting player is a dream.”He added: “Another World Cup that I watched in the classroom, and to be able to score here with my mother and family, is a dream.”
Spaniard Lamine Yamal celebrates after scoring his team’s opening goal during the FIFA World Cup Group H 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 old, Yamal became the seventh-youngest goalscorer in the tournament’s history, putting him just ahead of Lionel Messi in the all-time list.
Pele remains the youngest player to score a goal, having scored at the age of 17 years and 239 days.
Why was it taken off?
Despite being Spain’s standout performer in the first half, Yamal was substituted at the end of the first half alongside Oyarzabal.The decision surprised many supporters, but Yamal stressed that it was purely tactical.He explained: “The plan was to go out for half a part and get some rest, but above all to help the team.”With Spain leading by three goals at half-time, De La Fuente opted to manage the workload of his two key attacking players and ensure they remained fit for the challenges ahead, particularly the upcoming clash with Uruguay.Yamal also revealed that Spain was motivated by the frustration that resulted from the opening draw.“The first match was not ours, it was different, but we have already arrived and are striving to achieve more.He added: “A draw in a match we know you have to win hurts us. It made us think a lot, to reach this match as we wanted.”Spain now head into their final group stage match brimming with confidence, with Yamal fit, fresh and at the center of their hopes of making a breakthrough at the 2026 World Cup.
