Lamine Yamal Handball Controversy: Why Spain's World Cup Semifinal Penalty Stood

Published 15 July 2026 · sports

Lamine Yamal Handball Controversy: Why Spain's World Cup Semifinal Penalty Stood Published By, Last Updated: July 15, 2026, 11:16 IST Social media erupted with claims

Lamine Yamal Handball Controversy: Why Spain's World Cup Semifinal Penalty Stood Published By, Last Updated: July 15, 2026, 11:16 IST Social media erupted with claims of Lamine Yamal handling the ball prior to winning the penalty that gave Spain 1-0 lead over France in the first half. Rapid Read Lamine Yamal was fouled following which Spain were awarded a penalty. (Screengrab/X/AP) Should the penalty awarded to Spain in the 22nd minute of the first half have been revoked? Social media is flooded with claims that in the lead-up to the spot-kick that Mikel Oyarzabal converted to give Spain a 1-0 lead over France in their FIFA World Cup semi-final clash on Tuesday, Lamine Yamal had handled the ball right before being brought down by defender Lucas Digne. Spain went on to win the contest 2-0 after a second-half strike from Pedro Porro, with the former champions entering their second ever World Cup final where they will meet either England or Argentina this Sunday in New Jersey.

Digne was trying to clear the ball when Yamal approached from behind as he leapt in the penalty zone. At the time the ball deflected after hitting the 19-year-old Spaniard’s elbow, Digne ended up kicking his opponent. Me parece que hay mano de Lamine Yamal previo al contacto.Para mí no debió contar… pic.twitter.com/fX779LLrG0 — Alan Lara (@alanlarav) July 14, 2026 The referee signalled for a penalty and Oyarzabal made no mistake, scoring his 5th goal of the tournament. While a few users felt that Yamal had handled the ball, former referee Christina Unkel cleared the doubts, claiming the ball had hit the teenager’s sleeve, and it can’t be considered part of his arm. “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. 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 said on ITV.

France coach Didier Deschamps thus brings an end to his stint with the national team. He had led them to win at the 2018 World Cup before guiding them into another final in 2022 where they lost to Argentina in the penalty shootout. “It is not really important on a personal level whether I leave this competition in the semi-final or final," Deschamps said. “It’s not time to talk about the future. And I am extremely happy. I am very proud of everything we’ve done with the national team. I have been lucky as a player to enjoy a big moment. Today is not such a moment but I think we must accept it without forgetting everything that we’ve experienced so far." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered Will Spain win the World Cup after this controversial semifinal? I cannot make predictions about future sporting events. Spain defeated France 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup semifinal on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, advancing to the final to face England or Argentina.