A controversial handball incident involving Spanish forward Lamine Yamal during the France-Spain semifinal in Dallas on July 15, 2026, led to a penalty decision that reignited debate over football’s handball rules. Just before a foul occurred, the ball touched Yamal’s hand inside the French penalty box, but referee Ivan Barton awarded Spain a penalty after French defender Lucas Digne fouled Yamal. VAR reviewed the possible handball, yet the referee’s decision stood, and Mikel Oyarzabal converted the spot kick to give Spain the lead.

According to football’s Law 12, the decision was deemed correct. The referee considered Yamal’s hand position and intent, concluding that his hand was in a natural position and the contact was unintentional. Modern rules specify that an accidental handball is only penalized if it directly leads to a goal or immediate scoring opportunity, which did not occur here.

Spain later extended their lead through Pedro Porro, securing a 2–0 victory and advancing to the final against either England or Argentina.