Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterSpain have already had more disappointment at this World Cup than they would have hoped for...and they're only one game in.The goalless draw against a brilliantly resilient Cape Verde was a genuine surprise, and while the bulk of the credit should go their way, Spain will also know that their performance was some way short of their usual standard.The difficulty level may only increase from here, too. Saudi Arabia caused just as big a shock at the last World Cup by beating Argentina in their opening game, and they led Uruguay for a long time in their opener this summer before having to settle for a 1-1 draw.Play our FREE match predictor and win �1kSpain vs Saudi Arabia score prediction in Group H clashAtlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host proceedings, with kick-off set for midday local time (5pm UK time).But locals who bought tickets hoping to see Lamine Yamal strut his stuff - and there were certainly plenty of them for the Cape Verde game - may need to be patient once again. You may like How to watch Spain vs Saudi Arabia for FREE Spain vs Cape Verde prediction as European champions take on World Cup debutants Who is the referee for Spain vs Saudi Arabia? The Barcelona star came into the tournament carrying a hamstring injury, and although he has trained with his teammates, Luis de la Fuente is expected to manage his minutes, with Yamal saying that 'it's too soon' for him to play 90 minutes.Nico Williams was in a similar position, and Spain badly missed the pair's influence in the final third of the pitch against Cape Verde.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.With both wingers likely to play a limited role again, Spain will need to find a creative spark elsewhere against a stubborn Saudi side.Saudi Arabia will be hoping for another big performance from goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais, who could be set for another busy afternoon between the sticks.But it's hard to imagine Spain coming into this game looking as complacent as they were from the beginning against Cape Verde before it gave way to outright frustration.De la Fuente will be banking on his players getting their slow start to the tournament out of their system and showing more of what they are capable of from here.That makes it difficult to look past a Spain win.Score prediction: Spain 2-0 Saudi ArabiaTOPICSSpainSaudi ArabiaWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Steven ChickenSocial Links NavigationSteven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication,WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.
