Spain holds a 1-0 lead over France at halftime in the 2026 World Cup semifinal following a clinical 22nd-minute penalty conversion by forward Mikel Oyarzabal. The match, held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, sees Spain seeking its first World Cup final appearance since their 2010 championship run.
The Decisive Moment
The penalty was awarded after teenage sensation Lamine Yamal drew a foul from France defender Lucas Digne within the penalty area. Oyarzabal, the 29-year-old Real Sociedad forward, stepped up to convert the spot-kick, marking his fifth goal of the tournament and snapping a 358-minute scoreless streak for the French defense, which had not conceded since their group stage finale against Norway.
A Remarkable Comeback
Oyarzabal’s performance in this tournament represents a significant milestone in his career. The forward missed the 2022 World Cup while recovering from a torn ACL. Having previously scored the winning goal for Spain in the 2024 European Championship final against England, Oyarzabal has cemented his role as a veteran leader for the national team. With 29 goals in 59 international appearances, his current form has been vital to Spain’s progression through the knockout stages.
High Stakes for the Final
The winner of today’s semifinal will advance to the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. They will face the winner of Wednesday’s match between England and Argentina. For France, the challenge is significant; historical data shows the team has struggled when trailing at halftime, with only one draw and 11 losses in such scenarios during previous World Cup appearances.