The Spain international scored his first World Cup goal to spark an emphatic 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia, but concerns were raised when he was taken off at half-time, revealing that the idea was planned from the start.Lamine Yamal explained why he was substituted at half-time in Spain’s 4-0 World Cup win over Saudi Arabia after an early exit caused concern among his supporters.The 18-year-old Barcelona star was one of Spain’s best players in the opening 45 minutes, scoring his first World Cup goal and helping Luis de la Fuente’s side bounce back from a disappointing performance against Cape Verde in their Group H opener.Because Yamal had just returned from a hamstring injury and had just been reinstated to the starting line-up, many fans feared that the winger had suffered another injury when he was ruled out this time.However, Yamal quickly assured the supporters that there was no injury and revealed that he had been replaced before the start.
Spain responded after the disappointment of Cape Verde
Spain come into the game under pressure after a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in their opening game of the tournament. Despite arriving as the reigning champions of Europe and one of the favorites for the World Cup, La Roja have struggled to find action, raising questions about their attack 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 youngster immediately provided the spark Spain had been missing.The breakthrough came early as Yamal showed determination to get in behind and turn in a cross from Mikel Oyarzabal, opening the scoring and registering the first World Cup goal of his career.
Saudi Arabia’s goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais fails to stop Spain’s Lamine Yamal’s opening goal 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 struggled against Cape Verde, responded in style by scoring twice, while Saudi Arabia’s Hassan Al Tambakti added to his tally after tipping Marc Cucurella’s volley into his own net as Spain won 4-0.The result gave La Roja four points from two games and put them in a strong position to reach the quarter-finals in their last game against Uruguay.
Yamal fulfills the dream of the World Cup
Furthermore, the game had a lot of meaning for Yamal as it was his first World Cup start and he entered it with a goal.It has been very special, I have always dreamed of being in the World Cup and to be able to score in the first game because the first is a dream,” said Yamal.“The other World Cup I watched in class and being able to score here with my mum and family watching is a dream.”
Spain’s Lamine Yamal celebrates after scoring the opening goal of 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 earned a place in the World Cup history books. At 18 years and 343 days, Yamal became the seventh youngest player in the history of the game, putting him ahead of Lionel Messi on the all-time list. Pelé remains the youngest goalscorer after scoring at 17 years and 239 days.
Why was he removed?
Despite being Spain’s best player in the first half, Yamal was substituted at half-time alongside Oyarzabal.The decision surprised many supporters, but Yamal was convinced that it was wise.“It was a plan, to go out at half-time and be able to rest, but above all to help the team,” he said.With Spain already trailing by three goals at half-time, De la Fuente opted to manage two attacking midfielders and ensure they are ready for the challenges ahead, especially the upcoming clash with Uruguay.Yamal also revealed that Spain were inspired by the disappointment of their opening game.“The first game was not us, it was different, but we have already come and we want more.“To draw a game that we know you should win hurts us, it made us think a lot, to get to the game the way we want.”Spain now go into their final group with confidence, Yamal is fit, refreshed and at the center of their fastest hopes at the 2026 World Cup.
