Mikel Oyarzabal played a decisive role in Spain’s impressive 2-0 victory over France in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal at Dallas Stadium. The Real Sociedad forward opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Pedro Porro sealed Spain’s place in the final with a second-half goal.
Oyarzabal’s contribution once again highlighted his importance to La Furia Roja’s journey throughout the tournament. While he often receives less attention compared to some of Spain’s more famous stars, the 29-year-old forward has consistently delivered when his team needed him the most.
Spain are now just one match away from lifting the World Cup trophy after reaching the final for only the second time in their history. Throughout the competition, Oyarzabal has been one of Spain’s most reliable performers, contributing from the group stage all the way to the semifinal.
The decision to hand penalty-taking duties to Oyarzabal instead of Lamine Yamal, who was the player fouled inside the box, proved to be the right call. His powerful strike into the top-right corner gave Mike Maignan no chance and became the turning point that set Spain on their way to victory.
Mikel Oyarzabal: The Underrated Hero of Spain’s World Cup Run
Despite being one of Spain’s most important players, Mikel Oyarzabal is often overshadowed by teammates such as Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and other emerging talents.
Born in Eibar, Spain, on April 21, 1997, Oyarzabal made his senior national team debut in 2016 before becoming a regular figure in the Spain squad from 2019 onwards.
At club level, he has remained loyal to Real Sociedad since breaking into the first team in 2015. Before making his mark at the San Sebastian-based club, Oyarzabal developed his football skills at SD Eibar’s academy, where he began his journey as a professional player.
His decision to spend his entire senior career with Real Sociedad has meant he has not received the same global spotlight as Spanish players representing Europe’s biggest clubs. However, his performances have repeatedly proven that he belongs among the country’s elite footballers.
Oyarzabal’s Impressive Statistics Continue to Grow
Oyarzabal’s penalty against France was more than just a crucial goal in a World Cup semifinal. It was also a historic milestone in his international career.
The strike marked his 30th goal for the Spanish national team, moving him into sixth place on Spain’s all-time top goalscorers list.
His recent form has been equally remarkable. In his last 20 appearances for La Roja, Oyarzabal has scored 18 goals, showing incredible consistency and efficiency in front of goal.
At the 2026 World Cup, he has already contributed five goals for Spain, placing him among the tournament’s leading scorers and proving his value on football’s biggest stage.
A Reliable Goalscorer for Both Club and Country
Oyarzabal’s impact is not limited to international football. His performances for Real Sociedad have also established him as one of the most consistent attackers in Spanish football.
Since making his first-team debut, he has played 437 matches across all competitions for the Basque club and scored 133 goals.
Those numbers demonstrate his ability to perform consistently over a long period, which is one of the main reasons why Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente continues to place his trust in him.
Rather than being a player who relies on individual brilliance alone, Oyarzabal has built his reputation through intelligence, movement, work ethic, and his ability to deliver in important moments.
Oyarzabal Proves Why Spain Trusted Him
The semifinal against France was another example of why Luis de la Fuente continues to rely on Oyarzabal. When Spain needed composure and leadership in a high-pressure World Cup knockout match, the Real Sociedad captain stepped forward.
His penalty goal against France once again demonstrated his confidence and mentality, while his overall contribution throughout the tournament has made him one of Spain’s key figures.
With the World Cup final ahead, Spain will need their experienced players to continue performing at the highest level. And after repeatedly answering the call with important goals, Mikel Oyarzabal has shown that he is not just a supporting player — he is one of the main reasons why La Furia Roja are now closer than ever to becoming world champions.
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