Spain continue their search for a first win at World Cup 2026 when they come up against Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
The European champions could only muster a draw vs Cape Verde in their Group H opener, a result which represents one of the biggest shocks in the tournament’s modern history.
Manager Luis de la Fuente will know that another slip up here would be disastrous in the extreme, so the pressure is firmly on La Roja.
Can the European heavyweights silence the critics? Or will the Saudis spring another surprise at World Cup 2026? We will soon find out, but first here is our full betting preview, complete with tips and the latest World Cup odds.
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Where can I watch Spain vs Saudi Arabia in the UK?
Spain vs Saudi Arabia will be broadcast live on BBC One, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm UK time.
Spain vs Saudi Arabia Preview
Recent results
Spain’s aforementioned draw with Cape Verde was a bit of a disaster, though at least the result occurred at the earliest possible opportunity. And De la Fuente’s side should look far more potent when Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are fully fit, with the pair only able to appear off the bench in the opener. La Roja are unbeaten in 31 matches during regulation time, a quite ridiculous record that is a stark reminder of their quality.
Saudi Arabia drew 1-1 with Uruguay in their Group H curtain-raiser, Abdulelah Al-Amri’s opening goal cancelled out by a late strike from Max Araujo. The Green Falcons are unbeaten in three matches after previously suffering three straight defeats.
Head-to-head record
Spain and Saudi Arabia first met 20 years ago at the 2006 World Cup, with La Roja winning 1-0 thanks to a goal from Juanito.
The Spaniards won 3-2 in a 2010 friendly, before a 5-0 triumph in 2012 to make it three victories from as many attempts. What will happen in the fourth?
Team news
De la Fuente has some big calls to make in attack, namely as to whether he will deploy Yamal and Williams from the start in place of Ferran Torres and Gavi. Barcelona playmaker Dani Olmo is also a different forward-thinking option for the Spain manager to ponder here.
Saudi Arabia have no fitness concerns to deal with, so expect manager Georgios Donis to deploy a very similar starting XI to the one which drew with Uruguay – if not the exact same.
Spain vs Saudi Arabia Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Spain are massive favourites here at a short price of 1.09 to claim the win. A victory for Saudi Arabia is at long odds of 21.00, while the draw is 9.30.
Spain vs Saudi Arabia Betting Tips
1-15 mins total goals – Over 1.5 @ 2.44
Spain will be out to make a serious World Cup statement, so expect a fast start from a top-quality side which has made a habit of doing just that in recent times. In their final warm-up match vs Peru, La Roja scored after just 101 seconds through Mikel Oyarzabal.
Half-time/Full-time – Spain/Spain @ 1.40
If Spain do grab an early goal, as we predict they will, this selection looks pretty nailed on. La Roja’s ability to keep the ball and generate chances against an opposition trailing them on the scoreboard is well-known, and Saudi Arabia may feel the full force of a wounded Spanish animal.
Pedri to have over 0.5 shots on target @ 1.87
With Saudi Arabia likely to operate in a deep block due to a lack of possession, Spain’s midfielders may rely on their long-range shooting ability a bit more. Pedri should operate the furthest forward of the usual trio, and the Barcelona star registered a shot on target in the draw with Cape Verde. We are backing history to repeat itself here.
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