Mikel Oyarzabal produced a sensational performance as Spain cruised to a commanding 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday. The Spanish forward was at the heart of everything La Roja did in attack, registering two goals and an assist within the opening 24 minutes to help his side take complete control of the contest.
Oyarzabal opened the scoring early before setting up another Spanish goal with a perfectly weighted pass to Lamine Yamal. He then completed his brace before the 25-minute mark, leaving Saudi Arabia overwhelmed by Spain's relentless attacking pressure. His movement, intelligent positioning and clinical finishing made him the standout player on the pitch as Spain secured one of their most convincing wins of the tournament so far.
Oyarzabal Equals a Remarkable World Cup Record
With his incredible start to the match, Oyarzabal etched his name into FIFA World Cup history.
The 28-year-old became only the second player on record since 1966 to be directly involved in three goals within the first 25 minutes of a World Cup match. His tally of two goals and one assist in just 24 minutes places him alongside one of the tournament's most unique statistical achievements.
The only other player to accomplish the feat was Hungarian forward László Fazekas during the 1982 FIFA World Cup. Fazekas recorded one goal and two assists inside the opening 24 minutes of Hungary's unforgettable 10-1 victory over El Salvador at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero in Elche, Spain.
For more than four decades, no player had managed to match that extraordinary level of early-game influence on the biggest stage in international football. Oyarzabal's display against Saudi Arabia has now ended that long wait.
A Key Figure in Spain's World Cup Ambitions
Oyarzabal has long been regarded as one of Spain's most technically gifted attackers, but his performance against Saudi Arabia underlined his growing importance to the national team. If he can maintain this form, he could prove decisive in Spain's pursuit of a second World Cup title.
Spain will now look to carry their momentum into the next game against Uruguay, with Oyarzabal expected to remain a central figure in their attacking plans as they aim to continue their march toward World Cup glory.
