Rodri is confirmed in the Spain squadfor the game against Saudi Arabia this Sunday (21), in the second round of Group H of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Manchester City midfielder, captain and midfield pillar, starts as a starter and is essential for the balance of Luis de la Fuente’s team at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, in Atlanta.
Spain seeks rehabilitation after the goalless draw with Cape Verde in the debut. Saudi Arabia, who drew 1-1 with Uruguay, are trying to maintain their good momentum.
Spain line-up confirmed
Luis de la Fuente formed the team in 4-2-3-1:
- Spain (4-2-3-1):Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Peter,Rodri (captain); Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Álex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal.
Rodri, considered one of the best midfielders in the world, must command the ball recovery, protect the defense and initiate offensive plays. His presence gives security to Spain, which dominated the first match with 27 shots, but needs to convert that volume into goals.
Saudi Arabia line-up confirmed
Georgios Donis must repeat the formation that complicated Uruguay:
- Saudi Arabia (5-3-2):Mohammed Al-Owais; Saud Abdulhamid, Hassan Al-Tambakti, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Ali Lajami, Moteb Al-Harbi; Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Musab Al-Juwayr, Salem Al-Dawsari (captain); Firas Al-Buraikan and another attacker.
The Saudis rely on tight marking and quick transitions.
Where to watch live
In Brazil, the confrontation will be broadcast onDisney+, with additional options on Prime Video and YouTube CazéTV. The ball rolls at 1pm (Brasília time).
Rodri as Spain’s anchor
Rodri is largely responsible for controlling the Spanish team’s game. His leadership on the field and technical quality are essential to overcome the goal drought in his debut and set the pace against a well-positioned Saudi Arabia. A victory today is essential for La Roja (#2 in the FIFA ranking) to remain one of the main candidates for the title in Group H.
Saudi Arabia (#61) dreams of another important point and a historic campaign.
The referee is Brazilian Raphael Claus. The game in Atlanta promises Spanish dominance, but demands offensive efficiency.