Spain are looking to pick up their first win of the 2026 World Cup after being held to a stunning draw at the hands of Cape Verde in their opener.
La Roja cannot afford another slip-up, especially with their record at the tournament since 2010. With just three wins, it is time for Luis de la Fuente’s men to finally step up.
For Saudi Arabia, there is a huge opportunity for them to make history and potentially book their place in the knockout rounds after picking up an impressive draw against Uruguay in their opening fixture.
Catch up with all the team news right here on 101GreatGoals.
Table of Contents
Spain team news
Spain starting XI: Simon, Porro, Laporte, Cubarsi, Cucurella, Baena, Rodri, Pedri, Olmo, Yamal, Oyarzabal
Spain substitutes: Raya, Garcia, Pubill, Grimaldo, Garcia, Llorente, Merino, Ruiz, Gavi, Zubimendi, Torres, Pino, Williams, Munoz, Iglesias
Saudi Arabia team news
Saudi Arabia starting XI: Alowais, Lajami, Alamri, Altambakti, Abdulhamid, Alharbi, Aldawsari, Aljuwayr, Alkhaibari, Albrikan, Aldawsari
Saudi Arabia substitutes: Alaqidi, Alkassar, Majrashi, Bu washl, Kadish, Thikri, Abu Alshamat, Aljohani, Alhajji, Kanno, Yahya, Alsheri, Alghannam, Alhamddan, Mandash
Where to watch Spain v Saudi Arabia: TV and online streams
Spain v Saudi Arabia kicks off at 5:00pm UK time on Sunday. It will be broadcast on BBC One and will also be available to watch on the iPlayer and via the BBC Sport website.
Stats for Spain v Saudi Arabia
- Spain and Saudi Arabia have met three times before, with La Roja winning on each occasion.
- The only World Cup meeting between the two nations came in 2006, when Juanito scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory for Spain.
- Spain have scored just twice in their last four World Cup matches since a 7-0 win over Costa Rica in the opening game of the 2022 tournament.
- Three of Saudi Arabia’s last four World Cup games have seen both teams score.
- Saudi Arabia have lost all but one of their 11 World Cup matches against UEFA opponents. The lone exception being a 1-0 victory over Belgium on their debut appearance in 1994.
- Spain have won two of their five World Cup matches against AFC opponents (D2, L1). Their only defeat across 90 minutes came at the 2022 World Cup against Japan. They were eliminated by South Korea on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the quarter-finals in 2002.
Prediction for Spain v Saudi Arabia
While Yamal’s role remains a question-mark, it’s difficult to see Spain struggling to the level they did against Cape Verde. Their campaign should get on track here.
Prediction: Spain 3-1 Saudi Arabia
You Should Also Read
