In the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final on July 14, 2026, Spain defeated France 2-1, with 18-year-old Lamine Yamal scoring the winning goal. The match, held at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, saw Yamal exploit a defensive lapse by French left-back Lucas Digne in the 25th minute.
Yamal, who had been a standout performer for Spain throughout the tournament, received a pass on the right wing and cut inside, leaving Digne flat-footed before firing a low shot past French goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The goal proved decisive, as France equalized through Kylian Mbappé in the 68th minute, but Spain regained the lead via a header from Álvaro Morata in the 82nd minute.
Digne, who was substituted in the 70th minute after a difficult match, faced criticism for his performance. However, France manager Didier Deschamps defended his player, stating, 'It was a team effort, and we win and lose together.'
Spain advanced to the final, where they will face Argentina on July 18, 2026. The victory marked a historic achievement for Yamal, who became the youngest player to score in a World Cup semi-final.
