Spain's Soccer Star Shines In FIFA World Cup Match At ATL Stadium

ATLANTA, GA — A new week will bring more 2026 FIFA World Cup matches to Atlanta after a Father's Day contest spotlighted a national soccer star.

The matchup between Spain and Saudi Arabia took place Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Teenage superstar Lamine Yamal scored 10 minutes into his first start on soccer’s biggest stage, and Spain kickstarted its tournament with the 4-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia.

The 18-year-old forward slid in at the far post to touch home a low cross for the opening goal and became the eighth-youngest scorer in World Cup history. More importantly, he settled Spanish nerves after the European champion was held to a surprise 0-0 draw by Cape Verde in its opening game.

“The first game wasn’t really us, it was different, but now we’ve arrived and we’re going for more," Yamal said.

A full house at Atlanta Stadium that was mainly filled with Spain fans erupted in celebration just at the sight of Yamal emerging for the pre-game warm up. And the cheers were even louder as he raced away to celebrate his goal, dropping to his knees, praying and kissing the turf.

It was just the impact Spain coach Luis de la Fuente wanted from his star player, having been inundated with questions about when Yamal would be ready to start.

Those questions felt even more anxious after Spain, one of the pre-tournament favorites, was shut out by Cape Verde.

“It’s crazy to question this team,” De la Fuente said. "You can have better days, worse days, normal days, but questioning, doubting this generation of very young footballers, with a bright future, I think it’s unfair."

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The World Cup will return to Atlanta on Wednesday, when Morocco will attempt to take down Haiti.

The Atlanta FIFA Fan Festival will resume through July 19 at Centennial Olympic Park in downtown.

Performers on Wednesday will include Jay Envy, Sofa King Evil, Brixla, Belly Gang Kushington and Kevin Egan.

Future performers will consist of Ceelo Green, Ludacris and the Georgia State University marching band.

The remainder of the World Cup schedule in Atlanta is as follows:

• June 24: Morocco vs. Haiti
• June 27: Uzbekistan vs. Congo DR

• July 1: Round of 32 (Match 80)
• July 7: Round of 16 (Match 95)
• July 15: Semifinal (Match 102)

The Associated Press contributed reporting and writing.