Spain vs. Saudi Arabia predicted lineups, starting 11 for World Cup 2026 Group H game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Sunday, 21 June 2026
Spain aim to put their disappointing start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to bed as they take on Saudi Arabia in matchday two of Group H play.
La Roja were stunned by minnows Cape Verde to begin their tournament, held to a 0-0 draw behind the goalkeeping heroics of Vozinha, who made seven fabulous saves.
That has left the entire group deadlocked after the first round of games, as Saudi Arabia also managed to hold Uruguay to just a point on a 1-1 draw.
The Sporting News brings you a look at the projected starting lineups for both teams, as well as an overview of their World Cup squads, plus odds, predictions, and how to watch the game.
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Spain predicted starting 11
4-3-3, right to left: 24. Simon (GK) -- 5. Llorente, 22. Cubarsi, 14. Laporte, 24. Cucurella -- 8. F. Ruiz, 16. Rodri, 20. Pedri -- 19. Lamine Yamal, 21. Oyarzabal, 17. N. Williams.
* Injured: None
* Suspended: None
* On a yellow card: Pedri
It remains to be seen whether Lamine Yamal or Nico Williams can pass fit enough to start, but it's considered likely that both will see the field after coming off the bench in the opener against Cape Verde.
It will be intriguing to see whether Luis de la Fuente makes any other changes after the disappointing opener, as Alejandro Grimaldo and Martin Zubimendi could be pushing for places in the XI.
Saudi Arabia predicted starting 11
3-4-3, right to left: 21. Al Owais (GK) -- 5. Al Tambakti, 3. Lajami, 4. Al Amri -- 12. Abdulhamid, 23. Kanno, 15. Alkhaibari, 24. Al-Harbi -- 7. Al-Juwayr, 9. Al-Buraikan, 10. Al-Dawsari.
* Injured: None
* Suspended: None
* On a yellow card: Al Amri
It's expected that Saudi Arabia head coach Georgios Donis will name an unchanged side for Saudi Arabia against Spain, as the XI he submitted in the opener impressed mightily against Uruguay.
The only player with a yellow card to worry about is defender Abdulelah Al Amri, who also scored his team's only goal in the opening match.
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Spain vs. Saudi Arabia prediction, betting odds
* Prediction: Spain 2-0 Saudi Arabia
Spain's opening-round draw against Cape Verde was massively disappointing, but there was little to worry about overall, as the underlying numbers were strong, registering 27 shots for 2.1 xG throughout the match. It was a bit slow on the whole, but largely they should have scored. Sometimes, ball doesn't go goal.
Even though Saudi Arabia's defensive organization can be impressive at times, Spain should generate enough attacking pressure to get past their opponents here and take control of the group. Expect a low-scoring affair, though.
Spain vs. Saudi Arabia World Cup rosters
Here are the names on the Spain and Saudi Arabia World Cup rosters. All caps and stats are correct as of the date of their announcement in May 2026.
Spain World Cup squad
Head coach: Luis de la Fuente
Saudi Arabia World Cup squad
Head coach: Georgios Donis
Where to watch Spain vs. Saudi Arabia
* TV channel: FOX
* Live stream: fubo, Fox One, Fox Sports app/website
This match will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.
The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up for a FREE trial.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
