Spain starting XI projection: Who will play vs. Saudi Arabia at World Cup?

Spain entered the 2026 World Cup as one of the favorites to win the tournament, but things didn't go as expected for the reigning European champions in their opening group stage game. Spain was widely expected to crush World Cup debutant Cape Verde in its opening match. Instead, a stellar showing from Blue Sharks keeper Vozinha kept La Roja off the board, causing the game to finish in a goalless draw. As a result, Spain will be facing significant pressure to deliver in its second group stage game against Saudi Arabia. The Green Falcons also played to a draw in their first match against Uruguay, creating a four-way tie atop the Group H standings. The biggest question for Spain entering this match is whether Lamine Yamal will start. The 18-year-old wunderkind came off the bench during the team's opening match as he continues to rehabilitate a hamstring injury he suffered in April. Even if Yamal isn't ready for a starter's allotment of minutes, it will be interesting to see if Luis de la Fuente makes any lineup changes for the match. Perhaps the 64-year-old manager will stay the course and concede that the team simply ran into a hot goalie in a contest during which they logged 2.1 expected goals. But it also wouldn't at all be a surprise to see La Roja tinker with its starting lineup to try to spark its offense in a match that could determine Spain's potential for advancement. Here's how Spain could line up against Saudi Arabia in Atlanta on June 21: Lineup notes: This lineup projection features two notable changes from Spain's opening match against Cape Verde. Yamal and Williams draw in to replace Gavi and Ferran Torres on the front line. Williams would add a speed element to Spain's attack while Yamal's dribbling an playmaking prowess would be a welcome addition as La Roja look to score their first goal of the 2026 World Cup. Here are the remaining matchups for Spain in the group stage of the World Cup: • Spain vs. Saudi Arabia on June 21 ,2026 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. • Spain vs. Uruguay on June 26, 2026 at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara.