Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring for Spain with a clinical 22nd-minute penalty in the 2026 World Cup semi-final against France. However, this goal carried a significance that went far beyond simply putting La Roja ahead.
The penalty was awarded after France’s Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal inside the box. Oyarzabal stepped up without hesitation, converting successfully to give Spain a crucial lead in this high-stakes clash at the Dallas stadium.
This strike marks Oyarzabal’s fifth goal of the tournament, officially tying him with only two of Spain’s ultimate football legends for the most goals scored by a Spanish player in a single World Cup edition.
Chasing Spanish World Cup History
The record Oyarzabal matched today was originally set in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, where Emilio Butragueño scored five goals for Spain, including a legendary four-goal haul against Denmark (5-1) in the Round of 16.
That record stood untouched until South Africa 2010, when David Villa matched it with five goals of his own, inspiring Spain to their first-ever World Cup title.
30 Goals for La Roja
This milestone goal is also Oyarzabal’s 30th international goal for Spain in what is his 60th appearance, solidifying his status as a key leader for this generation. With five goals in the bag, the Spanish forward is now a primary contender for the prestigious World Cup Golden Boot.
أويارزابال يفتتح التسجيل لمنتخب إسبانيا من علامة الجزاء pic.twitter.com/V1lz639dIj
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) July 14, 2026
