Spain will be seeking a response when they take on Saudi Arabia in their second Group H match at the 2026 World Cup.
La Roja failed to live up to their billing as one of the World Cup favourites after drawing their Group H opener with Cape Verde, so a response is needed when they face off against Saudi Arabia in Atlanta on Sunday.
The reigning European champions had 27 shots and almost 75% possession against Cape Verde, but lacked their usual cutting edge in the final third as they were held to a goalless draw by the tournament debutants.
Saudi Arabia also had to settle for a point in their group opener, taking the lead against Uruguay through Abdulelah Al-Amri before conceding an equaliser in the final 10 minutes.
That leaves the group wide open and means everything is still to play for when these two sides square off at the Atlanta Stadium.
We have scoured the World Cup betting markets and put together a 6/1 bet builder ahead of Sunday’s match.
Spain v Saudi Arabia Bet Builder Tips
- Lamine Yamal anytime goalscorer @ 17/20
- Fabian Ruiz 1+ shots on target @ 11/20
- Saud Abdulhamid 3+ tackles won @ 6/5Pays out at 6/1
Yamal ready to shine
Lamine Yamal came off the bench to make his first appearance in eight weeks following a hamstring injury against Cape Verde, but despite it only being a cameo role, he still fired off two shots and completed more dribbles than any other player.
The 18-year-old is fresh from another standout season with Barcelona, scoring 24 goals and providing a further 18 assists, and with Spain needing a win, he could well be thrust into the starting XI.
Even if he is not, the talismanic teenager is capable of weaving his magic from the bench and he could be on course to score his first World Cup finals goal.
Leg 1: Lamine Yamal anytime goalscorer @ 17/20
Ruiz to take matters into his own hands
Spain were left frustrated by Cape Verde but it was not for the want of trying, as they fired off 27 shots, five of which came from midfielder Fabian Ruiz.
Only one of those efforts may have troubled the target, but the Paris Saint-Germain star also tested the goalkeeper in his last club appearance – the Champions League final against Arsenal – and he can do so again.
Ruiz is never afraid to pull the trigger from range, and against what is expected to be a deep-lying Saudi defence, similar to the one Spain faced against Cape Verde, he could be required to showcase his shooting skills once more.
Leg 2: Fabian Ruiz 1+ shots on target @ 11/20
Abdulhamid in for busy contest
Saudi Arabia’s defence is likely to be kept busy and that includes right back Saud Abdulhamid, who could have Marc Cucurella, Pedri and Gavi to deal with and that is before even bringing Yamal into the equation.
Abdulhamid gave away two fouls against Uruguay but he also won a team-high three tackles.
With Spain expected to dominate both possession and territory, those numbers could well go up, with Abdulhamid likely to have to pull out all the stops in an attempt to keep his illustrious opponents at bay.
Leg 3: Saud Abdulhamid 3+ tackles won @ 6/5
