Yamal wins controversial penalty as Spain take lead against France in World Cup semi-final

Mikel Oyarzabal converted a disputed penalty to give Spain the lead against France in their World Cup 2026 semi-final at Dallas, after referee Ivan Barton ruled Lucas Digne had fouled Lamine Yamal. France immediately protested, claiming Yamal had committed a handball offence in the build-up.

The controversy centred on whether the ball struck Yamal’s arm before Digne made contact. ITV Sport rules analyst Christina Unkel reviewed the incident and sided with Barton’s decision, arguing the ball had hit the sleeve of Yamal’s arm rather than a part of the limb that would constitute a handling offence.

“It’s a good analysis to take a look at that — the contact is on the sleeve of Yamal, it would not be considered part of the arm,” Unkel said. “That would not be recalled back for a handling offence. The penalty should stay. Like Harry Kane, they’re committed to the challenge, but they have the option of not making contact.”

Unkel drew a direct comparison to two earlier incidents in the tournament — Harry Kane winning a penalty against Mexico and Luka Modric conceding one against England — suggesting the pattern of officiating had been consistent throughout the competition.

Gary Neville was critical of Digne’s defending, arguing the France left-back showed a lack of awareness of Yamal’s movement. “Particularly when somebody so brilliant on the outside, you have to be aware of where he is,” Neville said. “He’s closed his body off initially, he has to be aware of where Yamal is. He’s not even aware he’s there, he hasn’t got a clue.”

Oyarzabal’s conversion put Luis De La Fuente’s side ahead in what is a high-stakes knockout tie between the reigning European champions and France.