Full Breakdown
Spain and Iraq Draw 1-1 in Final Home Warm-Up Before World Cup 2026
6/5/2026, 1:34:24 PM
Final Warm-Up Ends 1-1
On 4 June 2026, Spain and Iraq drew 1-1 at Estadio Abanca-Riazor, La Coruña. Ferran Torres gave Spain the lead in the 16th minute after a swift counter-attack. Merchas Doski equalised in the 27th minute with a curling left-footed shot from the left edge of the box. Substitutions followed, but no further goals were scored.
Build-Up Context
The match was Spain’s last home friendly before the World Cup; the reigning European champions entered with a ten-match unbeaten run (seven wins, three draws). Coach Luis de la Fuente rested several starters—Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Pedri, David Raya and Mikel Oyarzabal—granting debuts to Marc Bernal and Jon Martín. Iraq, coached by Graham Arnold, prepared for its first World Cup since 1986 after a 1-0 win over Andorra and a 2-1 play-off victory over Bolivia, seeking momentum ahead of Group I matches.
Numbers and Form
Spain have kept opponents from scoring in only one of their last eight games and have averaged over 3.5 goals in nine of their previous 13 matches. Iraq have conceded two or more goals in just two of their last 13 fixtures. The teams met once before, a 1-0 Spain win at the 2009 Confederations Cup. The draw tests Spain’s depth before a Group H that includes Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, and confirms Iraq’s capacity to challenge top teams.
Official Statements
De la Fuente said the match “was about sensations and giving opportunities to other players. No injuries — that’s important.” He added that the squad would “enter a new phase with more intensity and more players contributing” once in the United States.
Criticism of Spain’s Attack
Match reports called Spain’s forward play “toothless” and noted the side “struggled to break Iraq down” despite high possession.
Conflicting Reports on Squad Availability
Sources differ on the exact list of rested or injured players; one lists nine absentees (Yamal, Williams, Raya, Muñoz, Cucurella, Pedri, Ruiz, Zubimendi, Oyarzabal) while another adds Victor Muñoz and Rodri.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When you’re with them, that’s when you really see a footballer’s potential,” — Luis de la Fuente, pre-match press conference.
- “Marc has had a fantastic season; he has a brilliant future if he keeps working like this. If he continues on this path, he can go far. We are extremely pleased.” — Luis de la Fuente, post-match remarks.
- “Today was about sensations and giving opportunities to other players. No injuries — that's important,” — Luis de la Fuente, post-match interview.
- “Now we enter a new phase with more intensity and more players contributing. Tomorrow we're in the United States, and that puts our focus exactly where it needs to be.” — Luis de la Fuente, press briefing.
Upcoming Fixtures
Spain will face Peru in Puebla on 9 June before opening the World Cup against Cape Verde on 15 June. Iraq will play Venezuela in Bridgeview on 10 June and then meet Norway in Group I on 17 June.
