France and Spain, the pre-tournament favourites and reigning European champions, opened their World Cup 2026 semi-final in a tense and stop-start rhythm, with Ivan Barton referee already managing several early flashpoints. The first real disciplinary moment came in the 9th minute, when Rabiot stood on Olmo's foot and was shown a yellow card.
The match had been underway only moments before that booking, with Spain taking a few touches at the start and Cucurella trying to send Baena down the left with a long pass that was overhit. Simon then sold Mbappe a dummy before clearing the ball, while Yamal was shoved off the ball by Rabiot at the other end and Mbappe could not get the better of Ruiz.
Early pressure on both sides
France created one of the first attacking moments in the 6th minute when Barcola chased a pass down the left and Porro slid in late, forcing a corner for France. That sequence added to the sense that both teams were trying to assert themselves quickly in a high-pressure match.
The 11th minute brought another brief pause in the action when the referee went to the touchline to collect free-kick foam and drew a line before a Spain free kick. By then, the opening spell had already included a booking, a late challenge, and several attempts to play through the wings.
There was also another physical moment in the 15th minute, when Olise slid in on Rodri and was not booked. In the 18th minute, Luiz tried to release Cucurella down the inside-left channel, but Upamecano shepherded the ball out for a goal kick.
Before kickoff, the stadium observed a moment of silence for the passing of the Emir of Qatar, adding a solemn note before the match began. With the game still in its earliest stages, the opening passage suggested a semifinal that was already being shaped by discipline, tempo and small margins.
