Spain host Iraq on Thursday, June 4th 2026 at the Estadio de Riazor in La Coruña in a World Cup warm-up match that will give us a glimpse into the state of both teams ahead of the tournament in the summer. The kick off is at 8:00 PM CEST – 7:00 PM GMT / 8:00 PM in West Africa. This match is very much part of the final preparations for Luis de la Fuente‘s Spain who are looking to build momentum and keep their winning run at the Riazor going, while Iraq will be using this fixture to get one last nudge in the direction of their own build up for the big tournament in 2026.
Match Preview
Spain are of course reigning European champions but we know that they are also one of the early favorites to take the 2026 World Cup – but can they actually deliver on that promise? To be fair – everything is in place – with a talented squad boasting exceptional depth, a whole bunch of attacking flair and some seriously good tactics that leave opponents scratching their heads.
Iraq qualified for the World Cup and have proven themselves competitive in Asia but they know that they are in for the fight of their lives against the mighty Spain. The last time they met in a match – back in 2009 – it was Spain who took the win by a hair’s breadth – so I’m not sure whats going to change this time round. We are expecting Spain to control possession and with a whole load of chances, while Iraq sit back and look to catch them napping on the break or snag a set-pie.
Of course this is just a friendly but we expect goals – especially with Spain’s home crowd wanting to see a convincing display before the really tough stuff starts!
Head-to-head – Well lets be honest here – it’s really no contest – Spain have had the upper hand in their previous encounters and all signs point to it being the same story again.
LineUps
Spain (4-3-3): Simón – Inigo Carvajal, Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, and Alejandro Grimaldo – we get the midfield trio of Guillermo Ruiz, Rodri, and Pedri – then up front we have Lamine Yamal, Álvaro Morata, and Nico Williams.
It seems that Luis de la Fuente has decided to give a few key players a rest – or at the very least a bit of a monitor – and we get to see the exciting youngster Yamal bring his pace and energy to the attack. Nico Williams and Álvaro Morata will be looking to impress and get on the score sheet.
Iraq (4-2-3-1 or 5-4-1 or indeed 3-5-2 – who knows?!): Hassan – Hussein, Nadhim, Doski, Ammari – the defensive midfield pair of Jasim and Al-Ammari – then up front we have the attacking threat that is Mohanad Ali in the lone striker role, who will rely on speed and a bit of guile to get those all important goals.
Iraq are likely to set up in a more defensive shape, looking to frustrate Spain and maybe just maybe nick a goal on the break.
Prediction
In the end though I think that Spain’s quality, their home advantage and the fact they have a real attacking depth to their squad should all come together to give them a very comfortable win. I still think that Lamine Yamal will be one to watch out for – along with the front line who are sure to get a few goals. Iraq will likely get a consolation – but that’s about it – Spain should be a class above and secure a solid win.
Final score prediction: Spain 3 – 0 Iraq
