Spain vs Iraq: Preview, Predictions and Lineups

Everything you need ahead of Thursday’s international friendly in A Coruña — from the Spain vs Iraq lineups and key players to a full score prediction for this 2026 World Cup warm-up.

Match Facts

• Date: Thursday, 4 June 2026
• Kick-off: 19:00 UTC (20:00 BST / 21:00 CET / 14:00 ET)
• Venue: Estadio Abanca-Riazor, A Coruña, Spain
• Competition: International Friendly (2026 World Cup Warm-Up)
• Referee: TBA
• TV/Streaming: Amazon Prime Video UK (UK) | TVE La 1 / RTVE Play (Spain) | ViX, FOX Deportes, Fox Soccer Plus (USA) | Disney+ (Latin America) | Check local listings for your region

Spain: Form, Context and Team News

Spain enter this fixture in formidable shape. The reigning European champions are ranked second in the FIFA world rankings and went through their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign unbeaten, winning five and drawing one across six matches. Over the past 27 months, Luis de la Fuente’s side have lost just once in 28 internationals — and that solitary defeat came only on penalties against Portugal in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final.

This friendly against Iraq is the first of two final warm-ups before the World Cup, with a trip to Mexico to face Peru to follow next Tuesday. De la Fuente is expected to use both matches to fine-tune his starting XI and give fringe players competitive minutes. Spain’s most recent home outing, a goalless draw with Egypt in March, served as a reminder that even dominant sides can be frustrated by defensive opponents — something Iraq may attempt to replicate.

On the injury front, Lamine Yamal remains sidelined with a hamstring problem and is unlikely to feature. Nico Williams (groin) and Mikel Merino (foot) are also considered doubtful. David Raya, Martín Zubimendi, and Fabián Ruiz — all involved in last weekend’s Champions League final — may be rested as a precaution, with Unai Simón set to start in goal. Uncapped Atlético Madrid defender Marc Pubill could make his debut.

Iraq: Form, Context and Team News

Iraq travel to A Coruña for a historic occasion: their preparations for only their second ever FIFA World Cup appearance, and first since Mexico 1986. The Lions of Mesopotamia earned their spot the hard way — surviving a gruelling Asian qualification process before defeating Bolivia 2-1 in the intercontinental playoff to seal their place in North America.

Under Australian coach Graham Arnold, Iraq have shown genuine improvement. Since his appointment, they have won nine of their last 14 internationals (D2 L3). The campaign has not been without bumps — back-to-back defeats against Algeria and Jordan in the 2025 Arab Cup raised questions — but wins over Bolivia and Andorra have restored confidence heading into the summer.

There are no major injury or suspension concerns reported for Iraq ahead of this fixture. Arnold is expected to field a strong side, viewing this match as an invaluable test against top-level opposition before their opening World Cup group game against Norway on 16 June.

Spain vs Iraq Head to Head

The Spain Iraq head to head record is extremely limited — this is only the second competitive or meaningful meeting between the two nations.

• Meetings: 1
• Spain wins: 1 | Iraq wins: 0 | Draws: 0
• Last meeting: 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup — Spain 1–0 Iraq (goal: David Villa)
• Overall goals scored: Spain 1, Iraq 0

Spain won the only previous meeting. Iraq will be eager to put in a vastly improved performance on that showing — though the gap in quality between both squads remains enormous.

Key Players to Watch

Spain

Pedri (Midfielder, FC Barcelona) The creative heartbeat of Spain’s midfield. With Rodri set to be managed carefully in terms of minutes, Pedri’s ability to find pockets of space, break defensive lines, and dictate tempo will be central to how Spain open Iraq up.

Mikel Oyarzabal (Forward, Real Sociedad) Expected to lead Spain’s attack in the absence of a fully fit Yamal and Williams, Oyarzabal brings clever movement and a clinical touch. A strong performance here strengthens his case for a starting role at the World Cup itself.

Gavi (Midfielder, FC Barcelona) Back in fine form after a lengthy injury absence, Gavi brings energy, pressing, and quick combinations that make Spain’s transitions so difficult to stop. He will be key to winning the ball high up the pitch against a side that will look to sit deep.

Iraq

Ali Al-Hamadi (Forward, Ipswich Town) Iraq’s most prominent threat. The Premier League striker brings a physicality and direct running that could trouble Spain’s high defensive line on the break. If Iraq are to cause any kind of upset, Al-Hamadi will need to be involved.

Aymen Hussein (Forward) A creative presence who links play between midfield and attack for Arnold’s side. Hussein’s ability to drop deep and receive under pressure gives Iraq an outlet when they are pinned back — which will be most of the night.

Ali Jassim (Winger) One of Iraq’s most dynamic attacking options at just 22, Jassim has 35 caps and has shown the ability to create danger with his direct running. He will be tasked with providing width and stretching Spain’s defence on the counter.

Predicted Lineups

Spain — Predicted XI (4-3-3)

Bench to watch: Dani Olmo, Alex Baena, Marcos Llorente

Selection notes: With Yamal, Williams, and Merino all doubtful, De la Fuente is expected to rotate heavily. Marc Pubill is in line for a debut at centre-back, while Pino fills the wide right berth vacated by Yamal. Rodri is likely to be substituted before the 70-minute mark as a fitness precaution ahead of the World Cup.

Iraq — Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Bench to watch: Jalal Hassan (GK), Ibrahim Bayesh, Ahmed Yasin

Selection notes: Arnold is expected to deploy a pragmatic 4-2-3-1, using a double pivot to protect the defensive line and relying on Al-Hamadi as the focal point. The exact names in Iraq’s squad are subject to confirmation; names above reflect reported selections and are to be treated as predicted.

Tactical Matchup

Spain will dominate the ball in their trademark high-tempo 4-3-3, looking to press Iraq high, recycle possession quickly, and create overloads in wide areas. Iraq’s likely response is to sit in a compact mid-low block with their double pivot protecting the back four, aiming to frustrate Spain before exploiting transition opportunities through Al-Hamadi’s movement in behind. The key tactical battle will be in Spain’s half-spaces: if Pedri and Gavi can find gaps between Iraq’s lines, the hosts should be able to create chances with regularity. For Iraq, discipline and staying compact for long spells will be crucial — any gaps in structure are likely to be punished.

Prediction and Scoreline

Predicted score: Spain 3–0 Iraq

Spain’s overwhelming quality at home, combined with Iraq’s limited experience at this level, points firmly to a comfortable win for La Roja. Spain have kept clean sheets in seven of their last eight internationals, and Iraq have scored just three goals across their last four matches. The hosts should open the scoring in the first half through midfield movement and wide play, then extend their lead after the break as substitutions bring fresh legs. A scoreline of 3–0 to Spain feels like the most likely outcome.

Alternative outcomes:

• 2–1 Spain — if Iraq defend well in the first half and nick a late goal on the counter
• 2–0 Spain — a more controlled victory with fewer risks taken in the second half
• 1–1 — unlikely, but possible if Spain rest key players early and Iraq benefit from a set-piece

Betting and Fantasy Tips

• Spain to win and over 2.5 goals — La Roja’s firepower against a side that has conceded freely makes this the standout value bet in the Spain vs Iraq live markets.
• Fantasy captain pick: Pedri — likely to complete 70+ minutes and expected to be central to all of Spain’s attacking play through the middle; strong shot, assist, and key pass potential.
• Fantasy differential: Yeremy Pino — deputising for Yamal on the right wing, Pino will carry low ownership but has a strong chance of a goal or assist as Spain push forward from wide.

Injury and Lineup Watch

The main late fitness checks to follow are Lamine Yamal (hamstring) and Nico Williams (groin), both of whom have been in training camp but are considered unlikely to start. Monitor Spain’s official squad confirmation on the day of the match via the Real Federación Española de Fútbol official channels, typically released 60–75 minutes before kick-off. For Iraq’s confirmed XI, check Graham Arnold’s press conference notes on the Iraq Football Association official pages.