Spain vs Saudi Arabia: Five key battles to watch out for in FIFA World Cup 2026

Lamine Yamal will be itching to get his first FIFA World Cup goal

Former world champions Spain had an underwhelming start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, playing out a goalless draw against Cape Verde. Saudi Arabia also drew 1-1 with Uruguay, in what they would consider a good result.

A win is something both nations will be eyeing on Sunday, as anything less would put them under immense pressure on the final matchday. Here are five player battles that could settle the Spain vs Saudi Arabia game in the FIFA World Cup.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Team of Matchday 1 ft. Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi & Yan Diomande

5. Aymeric Laporte vs Firas Al-Buraikan

Firas Al-Buraikan was largely underutilised by Saudi Arabia in their first World Cup match against Uruguay, as the striker did not take a single shot. The Al Ahli player also failed to score in the two friendly games before the World Cup and will be hungry to make amends.

Aymeric Laporte, on the other hand, has played two seasons in the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr. He would know the Saudi Arabian football team better than any Spaniard and would therefore have an advantage over Firas Al-Buraikan.

4. Marc Cucurella vs Mohammad Abu Al Shamat

The Spanish left-back has the habit of moving up the field to assist his attackers. This is something that we also saw against Cape Verde, as Marc Cucurella has 2 shots and an expected assist ratio of 0.44.

Saudi Arabia’s Mohammad Abu Al Shamat would have to track back to help out his defence and keep Cucurella at bay. On the other hand, the right midfielder could also use this to his advantage and start counterattacks from the right side, as the chance will definitely present itself.

3. Marcos Llorente vs Salem Al Dawsari

Salem Al Dawsari is one of the biggest names in the Green Falcons, having made 100+ appearances for his nation and scored 26 goals. The Al Hilal player had a decent Saudi Pro League season, with 8 goals and 8 assists, and he is the most likely to score for his nation.

Marcos Llorente, the Spanish left back, will have to deal with Salem Al Dawsari and try to keep the player quiet throughout the game. Llorent had a decent defensive game against Cape Verde and will be looking to build on it against Saudi Arabia.

2. Rodri vs Abdullah Alkhaibari

Abdullah Alkhaibari is a no-nonsense central midfielder who is coming off a successful campaign in the Saudi Pro League. The Al-Nassr player had a below-average game against Uruguay, and he will be keen to help defensively and to start attacks against Spain.

However, things would be easy for Alkhaibari, as he would be playing on the pitch against the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. The Spaniard completed 116 passes against Cape Verde, and he will be ever busy once again against Saudi Arabia. Simply put, the Spanish national football team will perform well if Rodri plays well in midfield.

1. Lamine Yamal vs Moteb Al-Harbi

Lamine Yamal’s absence was clearly missed by Spain against Cape Verde as they looked more potent once the youngster came on in the second half. The Barcelona star made 16 passes and attempted 2 shots in the 19 minutes that he played on his FIFA World Cup debut and will be eager to score a goal.

Saudi Arabia’s left back Moteb Al-Harbi will have his hands full as he will be going up against Lamine Yamal on Sunday. He had 8 defensive contributions and 7 clearances against Uruguay, and his duel against Yamal could decide the Spain vs Saudi Arabia match in matchweek 2.

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