Highlights:
Spain hold a 1-0 lead over France in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final after Mikel Oyarzabal converted a first-half penalty, while France suffered a significant blow with defender William Saliba forced off through injury.
The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal inside the penalty area. Referee Iván Barton immediately pointed to the spot, and Oyarzabal confidently sent goalkeeper Mike Maignan the wrong way to hand Spain the advantage.
France's problems deepened shortly afterwards as Saliba was unable to continue after suffering an apparent back injury. Didier Deschamps introduced Maxence Lacroix in his place, disrupting the French defence at a crucial stage of the contest.
Despite trailing, Les Bleus have gradually wrestled back momentum. Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise have combined to pin Spain back for long spells, but Luis de la Fuente's side have remained compact in defence while continuing to threaten on the counter through the lively Yamal.
With a place in the World Cup final on the line, France are pushing for a first breakthrough, while Spain are attempting to protect their slender lead and move one step closer to another global final.
Spain XI: Unai Simon (goalkeeper); Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri (captain), Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal
France XI: Mike Maignan (goalkeeper); Jules Kounde, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Lucas Digne; Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola; Kylian Mbappe (captain).
FIFA World Cup 2026
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