Spain beats France 2-0 in World Cup semi after Yamal penalty

Spain advanced to the World Cup final with a 2‑0 victory over France in the semi‑final played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The opening goal came in the 22nd minute when a foul on 19‑year‑old Lamine Yamal by French defender Lucas Digne was deemed a clear penalty; Mikel Oyarzabal converted it. A later attacking move by Yamal was ruled out for a millimetre‑tight off‑side, adding to the match’s controversy.

The officiating attracted intense scrutiny. Referee Ivan Barton, assisted by VAR, made several contentious calls, including the penalty and the reversal of a free‑kick and a corner for France. Former referees and French coach Didier Deschamps questioned the quality of the decisions. Outside the pitch, a video of Yamal’s father, Mounir Nasraou, reacting angrily to journalists hours before the game went viral, sparking a broader debate about privacy and media conduct.