Spain Leads France 1-0 at Halftime in FIFA World Cup 2026 Semifinal

 Spain has taken a 1-0 lead against France in the first half of the first semifinal match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Spain's striker Mikel Oyarzabal scored from a penalty in the 22nd minute, which became the deciding goal until the end of the first half. This is the 21st penalty taken within the normal playing time of this World Cup. Out of the total 21 penalties taken in this tournament, 15 have been converted into goals so far, while the remaining 6 penalties have been missed or saved by goalkeepers.

Both teams played aggressively and under pressure from the beginning of the first half. In the 22nd minute, Spain got a penalty opportunity, which Oyarzabal easily converted into a goal, giving the team the lead. This is the 21st penalty taken within the normal playing time of this World Cup. Out of the total 21 penalties taken in this tournament, 15 have been converted into goals so far, while the remaining 6 penalties have been missed or saved by goalkeepers.

In the first half, which was extremely competitive and physically tough, referee Ivan Barton showed a yellow card to one player from each team. France's midfielder Adrien Rabiot received a yellow card in the eighth minute for a bad tackle, while Spain's defender Marc Cucurella was also shown a yellow card in the 31st minute. Despite trailing 1-0, France continuously tried to score an equalizer but could not penetrate Spain's defense.

The second half is expected to be even more exciting. How France will strategize in the second half against Spain's impenetrable defense, which has conceded only one goal so far in this World Cup, is a matter of great interest for football fans.