Spain vs Saudi Arabia Prediction 21.06.2026 | World Cup

Spain head into Sunday's contest with mounting scrutiny surrounding the decisions of head coach Luis de la Fuente, after one of the biggest surprises of the tournament saw La Roja stumble to a disappointing result on matchday one despite arriving as one of the leading contenders for the trophy.

De la Fuente's star-studded squad were sensationally held to a shock goalless draw by tournament debutants Cape Verde in Vancouver, dominating possession with 74% of the ball and firing 27 attempts at goal, yet failing to find the breakthrough in a frustrating evening that exposed an unexpected lack of cutting edge in the final third.

That result extended Spain's winless run at the World Cup to four matches, while simultaneously raising concerns over their attacking efficiency, an issue that will need to be addressed swiftly if they are to reignite their campaign, end an increasingly uncomfortable sequence on football's biggest stage, and strengthen their grip on a top-two position in the group.

The good news for Spain is that De la Fuente has no injury concerns heading into Sunday's encounter, although several tactical adjustments could be on the cards following the blunt attacking display against Cape Verde, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal expected to be handed a place in the starting lineup.

Saudi Arabia, by contrast, travel to Georgia brimming with confidence after producing a disciplined and resolute display to secure a respectable 1-1 draw against South American heavyweights Uruguay in their tournament opener.

The side coached by Georgios Donis looked exceptionally well organised throughout that contest, frustrating their illustrious opponents for long spells with a compact defensive structure, while also posing a threat on the counterattack before eventually being denied victory by a late equaliser in the closing stages.

Making their seventh appearance on football’s biggest stage, the Green Falcons now have the opportunity to avoid defeat in each of their opening two World Cup matches for the first time in their history, although overcoming that challenge will require another tactically disciplined performance against an angry and highly motivated Spain side.

As for team news, Saudi Arabia travel to Atlanta with a largely healthy squad at their disposal, and the coaching staff are expected to retain faith in the same starting XI that battled admirably against Uruguay, hoping that continuity and cohesion can help inspire another major upset.