The Spain winger scored his first-ever World Cup goal and inspired a dominant 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, but concerns emerged when he was withdrawn at half-time before later explaining that the decision had been planned from the start.Lamine Yamal has explained why he was substituted at half-time during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 emphatic 4-0 World Cup victory over Saudi Arabia after his early exit sparked injury concerns among supporters.The 18-year-old Barcelona star was one of Spain’s best players during the opening 45 minutes, scoring his first-ever World Cup goal and helping Luis de la Fuente’s side bounce back from a disappointing goalless draw against Cape Verde in their opening Group H match.Because Yamal had recently returned after dealing with a hamstring issue and had only just been restored to the starting line-up, many fans feared the winger had suffered another setback when he was withdrawn at the interval.However, Yamal quickly reassured supporters that there was no injury problem and revealed the substitution had been arranged before kick-off.
Spain respond after Cape Verde disappointment
Spain entered the match under pressure after a frustrating 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their tournament opener. Despite arriving as reigning European champions and one of the favourites for the World Cup, La Roja struggled to find a breakthrough, 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 Spain had been missing.The breakthrough came early when Yamal showed determination to slide in at the back post and convert a cross from Mikel Oyarzabal, opening the scoring and registering the first World Cup goal of his career.
Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais fails to stop the opening goal by Spain’s Lamine Yamal 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 had endured a difficult outing against Cape Verde, responded impressively by scoring twice, while Saudi Arabia’s Hassan Al Tambakti added an own goal after deflecting a Marc Cucurella volley into his own net as Spain cruised to a 4-0 victory.The result moved La Roja onto 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 achieves a World Cup dream
Beyond the result, the match carried huge personal significance for Yamal because it was his first World Cup start and he marked it with a goal.“It has been very special, I have always dreamed of being in a World Cup and to be able to score in a first match as a starter is a dream,” Yamal said.“The other World Cup I watched in class and to be able to score here with my mother and my family watching is a dream.”
Spain’s Lamine Yamal celebrates after scoring his side’s opening 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 old, Yamal became the seventh-youngest goalscorer in tournament history, placing him just ahead of Lionel Messi on the all-time list. Pelé remains the youngest scorer after netting at 17 years and 239 days.
Why he was taken off
Despite being arguably Spain’s standout performer in the first half, Yamal was replaced at the break alongside Oyarzabal.The decision surprised many supporters, but Yamal confirmed it was purely tactical.“It was the plan, to go out for half a part and be able to rest, but above all to help the team,” he explained.With Spain already three goals ahead by half-time, De la Fuente chose to manage the workload of two key attacking players and ensure they remained fresh for the challenges ahead, particularly the upcoming clash with Uruguay.Yamal also revealed that Spain were motivated by the frustration of their opening draw.“The first game was something that wasn’t us, it was different, but already we have arrived and we are going for more.“To draw a match that we know you have to win stings us, it has made us think a lot, to arrive at this match as we wanted.”Spain now head into their final group fixture full of confidence, with Yamal fit, refreshed and central to their hopes of making a deep run at the 2026 World Cup.