World Cup 2026 Player of the Day - Day 11: Historic Oyarzabal Contribution Gets Spain Up and Running

Mikel Oyarzabal played a starring role as Spain exploded into life at the World Cup 2026 with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia to move top of Group H.

The reigning European champions were 3-0 up inside 25 minutes, Oyarzabal setting up Lamine Yamal for his first World Cup goal before bragging a brace himself.

Having mustered just one shot on target as Spain were held to a shock 0-0 draw with tournament debutants Cape Verde in their opener in Atlanta, Oyarzabal well and truly got his groove back at the very same venue.

The 29-year-old Real Sociedad striker – who scored the winner in the Euro 2024 final against England – doubled Spain’s lead after Aymeric Laported headed the ball into his path following a corner, before making it 3-0 just three minutes later with another close-range finish teed up by Dani Olmo.

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Despite being substituted at half-time, Oyarzabal had more touches in the opposition box than any other player on the pitch (nine), also attempting a joint match-high five shots – three of which hit the target.

After that blip against Cape Verde, Spain showed here why they’re among the favourites to lift the trophy, and Oyarzabal – as he so often has under Luis de la Fuentes – looks set to play a major part in his country’s quest for a second World Cup.

Spain round off their group campaign against Uruguay in Guadalajara in the early hours of Saturday morning (June 27).

READ MORE: What Date and Time do the World Cup 2026 Group Stage Matches Kick Off?