World Cup 2026: Saudi Arabia vs Spain Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

Saudi Arabia meet Spain at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta on 21 June, kickoff 18:00 CAT, with both sides level on a point in Group H. Spain were stunned in a 0-0 draw with debutants Cape Verde, while Saudi Arabia earned a battling 1-1 draw against Uruguay thanks to a fine goalkeeping display by Mohammed Al-Owais. Spain arrive desperate to get their campaign moving, and the Saudis will sit deep and hope to frustrate the European champions again. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia set up to defend in numbers against Uruguay and it nearly worked, with Mohammed Al-Owais producing the save of the round before Maximiliano Araujo levelled late. With first choice goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi ruled out injured, Al-Owais keeps his place and will again be central to any resistance here. From my point of view they will drop even deeper against Spain and rely on Salem Al-Dawsari to carry the rare counter. A point keeps them alive in the group, so I expect a low block and very little ambition going forward.

Predicted Lineup: Al-Owais; Abdulhamid, Tambakti, Al-Amri, Al-Harbi; Al-Khaibari, Kanno, Al-Dawsari, Abu Al-Shamat; Al-Juwayr, Al-Buraikan

Spain

Spain dominated Cape Verde with 23 shots but could not get past a 40-year-old goalkeeper, and in my opinion the finishing, not the creation, is the worry. Lamine Yamal returned off the bench from a hamstring problem and looks sharp, while Nico Williams is being managed after his own recent setback, so Luis de la Fuente has options to freshen the attack. I expect Mikel Oyarzabal and Ferran Torres to be trusted to convert the chances that went begging last time. Against a side that plays as deep as Saudi Arabia, patience and a set piece edge should eventually tell.

Predicted Lineup: Simon; Llorente, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri; Pedri, Ruiz; Torres, Oyarzabal, Gavi.

Spain were wasteful against Cape Verde but the volume of chances tells me the goals are coming, and Saudi Arabia will offer almost nothing at the other end. I expect a controlled, comfortable win once the breakthrough arrives. My forecast: Saudi Arabia 0 Spain 3.

Over 2.5 Goals (1.47)

Spain mustered 27 shots last time and simply ran into an inspired keeper, and I do not expect that wastefulness to repeat against a weaker Saudi defence. With La Roja chasing a statement after the Cape Verde slip, I am backing them to push hard and clear this line on their own. Over 2.5 Goals at 1.47 is my value pick even at relatively short odds.