Spain seek a response: a Saudi Arabia test

In 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H, Spain hope to ignite their campaign on Sunday when they face Saudi Arabia in Atlanta. The shock 0-0 draw with Cabo Verde in their opener was a big blow for Spain, but, thankfully for Luis de la Fuente, it cost them no ground in the group as Uruguay and Saudi Arabia also shared the spoils in their meeting.

Saudi Arabia needed some good fortune to snatch a point against Uruguay and may well need similar heroics against a Spain side well aware its toughest test in this group is still to come.

According to SI.com, Spain are the obvious favourites, but that was the case last time against Cabo Verde and clearly did not work out. The frustration from that game is likely to have fuelled Spain's training this week, with La Roja more determined than ever to make a statement and justify their pre-tournament billing. A stubborn Saudi defence is likely to try to cause problems, but Spain should be too strong.

SI.com highlights two points. First, Lamine Yamal's return: although Yamal has admitted he is not fit to play a full 90 minutes, he has assured fans he is ready for significant minutes after a hamstring injury. Having got only 20 minutes against Cabo Verde, the young star will expect plenty more. Second, the threat of failure: Spain expect to win the group and were tipped pre-tournament for a shoot-out with Uruguay for top spot. With those two heavyweights meeting next week, Spain can ill-afford to enter that game at a disadvantage.

For Spain, Liverpool-bound Víctor Muñoz is expected to miss out with a hamstring injury, but improved fitness among other forwards lets De la Fuente make changes. Both Yamal and Nico Williams could start to inject energy into the attack, though do not be surprised if neither lasts beyond 60 minutes. Gavi and Ferran Torres, who did not shine against Cabo Verde, could drop to the bench. For Saudi Arabia, manager Georgios Donis is unlikely to make many changes, aware his side will be on the back foot for most of the game; strikers Firas Al-Buraikan and Musab Al-Juwayr will look to pounce on rare forays forward.

SI.com predict 2-0 to Spain.

Predicted XIs
Spain (4-3-3): Simón; Llorente, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián, Pedri; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Williams
Saudi Arabia (4-4-2): Al Owais; Abdulhamid, Al Tambakti, Al Amri, Al Harbi; Al Shamat, Al Khaibari, Kanno, Al Dawsari; Al Buraikan, Al Juwayr

Source: Sports Illustrated
Image: Sports Illustrated