FIFA Faces Backlash After Controversial Lamine Yamal Decision

Spain and France had barely gotten going in their semifinal when the game's first big moment arrived and it didn't come without drama.

Twenty minutes in, Lamine Yamal went down inside the box after a challenge from Lucas Digne. The move built from a Marc Cucurella cross into the area, with Digne bringing it down on his chest before attempting to clear.

Yamal stepped across him at that moment and took the full force of the clearance. Spain got the penalty. France were furious.

FIFA Controversy: Lamine Yamal Penalty Decision Sparks Debate

The French players pushed hard for a VAR review, pointing to replays that appeared to show the ball grazing Yamal's hand in the buildup. VAR looked at it and let the on-field call stand. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up and converted cleanly, putting Spain ahead early.

The decision didn't sit well with a lot of fans watching, who started pointing fingers at FIFA and the officiating. The argument from France's side was straightforward - there was handball in the buildup, and the penalty shouldn't have stood.

"Did Lamine Yamal handball before digne kicked him??? Not sure whether its a penalty," one fan said.

Did Lamine Yamal handball before digne kicked him??? Not sure whether its a penalty pic.twitter.com/qbWyPzPAXm

— Danis (@DanisMCFC) July 14, 2026

"Is that not a hand ball on Lamine Yamal? " another fan wrote.

"Bro like, they want Spain to win by all means lamine Yamal even had a hand ball there. It makes no sense." one fan commented.

"Thats a hand ball on Lamine Yamal no?" one fan asked.

"Hand all Lamine Yamal…. If they give this penalty erh! " another wrote.

"So hand ball from Lamine Yamal give spain a pen? LMFAOO goodnight," another soccer fan noted.

The counter to that could potentially be just as simple. Yamal's arm was tucked close to his body, which is typically enough to rule out any infringement and give the attacker the benefit of the doubt. VAR stayed out of it, and Spain took the lead heading into the tunnel after first half.

Related: World Cup Closing Ceremony Lineup: FIFA Announces Every Performer

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This story was originally published July 14, 2026 at 12:51 PM.