Spain vs Saudi Arabia prediction as European champions look to achieve lift-off

Lamine Yamal came into the World Cup carrying a hamstring injury — Lamine Yamal was not fit enough to play a part in Spain's starting line-up in their opening game (Image credit: Getty Images)

Spain have already had more disappointment at this World Cup than they would have hoped for...and they're only one game in.

The goalless draw against a brilliantly resilient Cape Verde was a genuine surprise, and while the bulk of the credit should go their way, Spain will also know that their performance was some way short of their usual standard.

The difficulty level may only increase from here, too. Saudi Arabia caused just as big a shock at the last World Cup by beating Argentina in their opening game, and they led Uruguay for a long time in their opener this summer before having to settle for a 1-1 draw.

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Spain vs Saudi Arabia score prediction in Group H clash

Cape Verde emotionally celebrated their point against Spain — Cape Verde successfully kept Spain at bay last time out (Image credit: Getty Images)

Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host proceedings, with kick-off set for midday local time (5pm UK time).

But locals who bought tickets hoping to see Lamine Yamal strut his stuff - and there were certainly plenty of them for the Cape Verde game - may need to be patient once again.

Players of Spain pose for photo during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Cape Verde at Atlanta Stadium on June 15 — Spain will be hoping for more from their star-studded line-up (Image credit: Getty Images)

The Barcelona star came into the tournament carrying a hamstring injury, and although he has trained with his teammates, Luis de la Fuente is expected to manage his minutes, with Yamal saying that 'it's too soon' for him to play 90 minutes.

Nico Williams was in a similar position, and Spain badly missed the pair's influence in the final third of the pitch against Cape Verde.

With both wingers likely to play a limited role again, Spain will need to find a creative spark elsewhere against a stubborn Saudi side.

Saudi Arabia will be hoping for another big performance from goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais, who could be set for another busy afternoon between the sticks.

But it's hard to imagine Spain coming into this game looking as complacent as they were from the beginning against Cape Verde before it gave way to outright frustration.

Saudi Arabia held Uruguay to a point in their Group H encounter — Saudi Arabia led Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay for much of their last game but had to settle for a 1-1 draw (Image credit: Getty Images)

De la Fuente will be banking on his players getting their slow start to the tournament out of their system and showing more of what they are capable of from here.

That makes it difficult to look past a Spain win.

Score prediction: Spain 2-0 Saudi Arabia

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Steven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication, WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.