First Time In 92 Years! Spain Keep Clean Sheets In First Two Matches Of A FIFA World Cup Edition

Last Updated:June 22, 2026, 03:25 IST

By keeping a clean sheet against Saudi Arabia in Atlanta, Spain for the first time, managed to avoid conceding a goal in their opening two matches of a FIFA World Cup edition.

After being held to a goalless draw by Cape Verde in their opening Group H match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on June 15, Spain returned to winning ways on Sunday (June 21), thrashing Saudi Arabia 4-0 in their second match at the same venue.

18-year-old Lamine Yamal needed just 10 minutes to open the scoring for the 2010 champions, before Mikel Oyarzabal struck twice in quick succession in the 21st and 24th minutes to give Spain a commanding 3-0 lead. Saudi defender Hassan Al-Tambakti then scored an own goal in the 49th minute, extending Spain’s advantage to four goals, and they comfortably preserved the clean sheet until the final whistle.

The victory over Saudi Arabia, who had drawn 1-1 with Uruguay in their opening Group H match, helped Spain achieve a new milestone in FIFA World Cup history.

By keeping a clean sheet against Saudi Arabia in Atlanta, Spain for the first time, managed to avoid conceding a goal in their opening two matches of a FIFA World Cup edition.

Spain made their FIFA World Cup debut in 1934, when the tournament was held in Italy, but had never previously kept clean sheets in their first two matches of a World Cup campaign. They rewrote the history books on Sunday.

Spain’s result in first two matches of every FIFA World Cup edition

The 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia is also Spain’s joint-fourth biggest win in the FIFA World Cup history. In their Group H match of 2006 FIFA World Cup, they defeated Ukraine as well with the same score-line (4-0).

Spain will face two-time champions Uruguay in their third and final Group H match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the result set to determine which team finishes top of the group standings.

The highly anticipated clash between the two former world champions is scheduled to take place at Estadio Akron in Zapopan on June 26.

About the Author

Harshit BishtSenior Sub-editor

Harshit Bisht is a sports journalist with CNN-News18 since July 1, 2024, and covers cricket with a sharp eye for records, trends, and match analysis. Based in Noida, he has reported extensively on the...Read More

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