Lamine Yamal Shines as Spain Cruise Past Croatia 4-1 in Nations League

Spain celebrated their first home match since lifting the World Cup in style, beating Croatia 4-1 in the UEFA Nations League in Seville. At the centre of the performance was Lamine Yamal, who scored twice and supplied an assist as La Roja continued their remarkable unbeaten run.

The 19-year-old opened the scoring inside two minutes, helped Marc Pubill put Spain back in front after Croatia equalised, and then scored again after the break. Nico Williams completed the scoring late on. The result gave Spain six points from two Group A3 matches and stretched their unbeaten run to 40 games.

Yamal Sets the Tone Almost Immediately

The evening could hardly have started better for Spain. Just over a minute into the match, Yamal received the ball following a clever attacking move involving Álex Baena and Fermín López. The Barcelona youngster cut inside before curling a low finish into the far corner.

It was Yamal's second consecutive early goal for Spain after he also scored against England at Wembley. The goal gave the home crowd exactly what they had come to see — an attacking Spain side playing with confidence after their World Cup triumph.

Croatia Hit Back Through Beljo

Croatia refused to fold after conceding so early. In the 28th minute, Ivan Perišić delivered a dangerous cross into the box, and Dion Beljo rose to head the ball past Unai Simón. The equaliser briefly changed the mood inside the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium.

But Spain's response was almost immediate. Only three minutes later, Yamal turned creator. His precise cross found Marc Pubill, who arrived at the right moment to head Spain back into the lead. For Pubill, it was a particularly memorable moment — his first goal for the Spanish national team.

Yamal Strikes Again After the Break

Spain returned for the second half with control of the game, and Croatia struggled to match their tempo.

In the 63rd minute, Pedri spotted Yamal's run and played the Barcelona forward through. Yamal raced towards Dominik Livaković before calmly finishing to make it 3-1.

The second goal completed his brace and underlined just how influential he had become for Luis de la Fuente's side.

Yamal's contribution was not limited to scoring. His assist for Pubill and constant movement caused problems for Croatia throughout the night.

Nico Williams Puts the Game Beyond Doubt

Croatia needed a quick response but instead found themselves under increasing pressure. Spain continued to move the ball with patience before eventually adding a fourth in the 88th minute. Nico Williams collected the ball on the left, drove past his marker and unleashed a powerful finish to make it 4-1.

The goal completed a convincing victory and sent the home crowd into another celebration on a night that had already included the presentation of Spain's World Cup trophy.

Spain Reach 40 Games Unbeaten

Beyond the scoreline, the Spain vs Croatia UEFA Nations League 2026 result added another remarkable statistic to Spain's recent history.

La Roja have now gone 40 consecutive matches without defeat. Their latest run includes their World Cup triumph and a series of strong performances under Luis de la Fuente.

Spain also have six points from their opening two Nations League matches, having defeated England in their first Group A3 fixture. The reigning world champions have therefore made a perfect start to the new Nations League campaign.

A Special Homecoming for the World Champions

This match was more than another Nations League fixture for Spanish supporters. Before kick-off, Rodri lifted the World Cup trophy in front of the home crowd, with 2010 World Cup winner and former Spain star Jesús Navas presenting the trophy to the captain.

The occasion marked Spain's first home match since winning their second World Cup in July. With more than 40,000 supporters inside the stadium, the celebrations continued long after the trophy presentation. And Yamal ensured the football matched the occasion.

Croatia Face a Tough Night in Seville

For Croatia, the Croatia vs Spain encounter became increasingly difficult after Pubill restored Spain's lead.

Beljo's equaliser had offered hope, but Croatia could not maintain the momentum. Spain's possession, movement and attacking quality gradually created too much pressure.

Croatia coach Slaven Bilić also had to contend with a Spanish side that was able to bring players such as Pedri and Nico Williams into the game as the match progressed. The defeat leaves Croatia needing to respond in their next Nations League fixtures.

Yamal's Night to Remember

There was little doubt about the standout performer. Two goals, an assist and constant involvement in Spain's attacking moves made Lamine Yamal the defining figure of the match. His performance also continued his excellent international form at a remarkably young age.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised Yamal's ability to put his individual talent at the service of the team, highlighting his contribution beyond simply scoring goals. For Spain, that is perhaps the most encouraging part of the performance.

Spain Keep Rolling

The Spain 4-1 Croatia result leaves La Roja with two wins from two in the UEFA Nations League and another memorable night in front of their home supporters. Yamal provided the inspiration, Pubill and Nico Williams added their names to the scoresheet, and Spain once again showed why they remain one of Europe's most exciting attacking teams.

After lifting the World Cup, Spain could easily have struggled to maintain their intensity. Instead, they have responded with victories over England and Croatia. The unbeaten streak has now reached 40. And with Yamal playing the way he did in Seville, Spain's next opponents will have plenty to think about.