European champions Spain endured a subdued World Cup send-off on home soil, held to a 1-1 draw by IraqTeam·Iraq in A Coruña on Thursday evening. The result provided a sobering reminder of the challenges ahead as both nations prepare for the expanded 2026 FIFA World CupCompetition·2026 FIFA World Cup.
Spain took the lead through Ferran TorresPlayer·Ferran Torres in the 16th minute, the forward bursting through midfield before firing past the Iraqi goalkeeper during a swift counter-attack. However, IraqTeam·Iraq responded with quality eleven minutes later when Merchas DoskiPlayer·Merchas Doski produced a superb left-footed strike from a difficult angle on the left edge of the box, the ball arcing over Barcelona goalkeeper Joan GarciaPlayer·Joan Garcia and dropping into the net.
The European champions struggled to break down an organised Iraqi side whose compact defensive block denied Spain the rhythm that carried them to Euro 2024 glory. Torres struck the crossbar in the 40th minute, but clear openings proved elusive against disciplined opponents preparing for their first World Cup appearance in 40 years.
Spain manager Luis de la FuenteCoach·Luis de la Fuente fielded a heavily rotated starting eleven, resting key players including Lamine YamalPlayer·Lamine Yamal, Nico WilliamsPlayer·Nico Williams, PedriPlayer·Pedri, Fabian RuizPlayer·Fabian Ruiz, RodriPlayer·Rodri and Mikel OyarzabalPlayer·Mikel Oyarzabal due to fitness concerns and recent Champions League commitments. The decision reflected Spain's focus on their final friendly against Peru in Puebla, Mexico, on Monday before beginning their World Cup campaign.
"They surprised me in a very positive way," de la Fuente said of Iraq's performance. "We struggled in the first half to stop their progressions. Every match is difficult, but they showed rhythm, intensity, and good combination play. They're an interesting team with a lot of energy."
IraqTeam·Iraq's Australian coach Graham Arnold approached the friendly with clear intent, viewing it as crucial preparation for their challenging World Cup group. "We did not come to Riazor for photos or pleasantries," Arnold stated. "We came to measure ourselves, to see where we stand tactically and physically before facing NorwayTeam·Norway, France, and Senegal in the World Cup."
The result highlighted the contrasting paths both teams have taken to reach the World Cup. Spain qualified emphatically as winners of UEFA Group E, dropping points only in a 2-2 draw with Turkey during their campaign between September and November 2025. IraqTeam·Iraq's journey proved more arduous, securing their spot through the inter-confederation playoffs with a 2-1 victory over Bolivia in March.
Spain will begin their World Cup campaign in Group H against Cape Verde on June 15, with Saudi Arabia and UruguayTeam·Uruguay completing their group. As reigning European champions and among the tournament favourites, expectations remain high despite Thursday's lacklustre display.
IraqTeam·Iraq faces a daunting challenge in Group I, opening against NorwayTeam·Norway on June 16 before encounters with France and Senegal in what many consider the tournament's group of death. Arnold's message to Iraqi supporters reflected their ambitious approach: "Our goal in the World Cup is not just participation. We want to leave a mark, to make the world talk about IraqTeam·Iraq as a tough and respectable team."
With the expanded 48-team format offering additional qualification routes to the Round of 32, both nations will view their opening fixtures as crucial to their tournament ambitions. For Spain, Thursday's result serves as a timely reminder that reputation alone guarantees nothing at football's premier competition.
Ferran Torres celebrates scoring for Spain against Iraq in a World Cup warm-up match. (ZUMA Press Wire/IMAGO)
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