Spain begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations with an international friendly against Iraq at the Estadio Municipal de Riazor. As one of the favorites to lift the trophy next summer, La Roja will be looking to deliver a statement performance against an Iraqi side preparing for just their second World Cup appearance.

Spain vs Iraq Match Preview

Match News and Current Form

Spain enter this friendly as one of the strongest teams in world football. The reigning European champions are ranked second in the FIFA World Rankings and have lost just once in their last 28 matches across all competitions.

Luis de la Fuente’s squad remains packed with talent, with 16 members of Spain’s Euro 2024-winning team included for these World Cup warm-up matches. Their consistency has been remarkable, particularly on home soil where they are unbeaten in their last 16 matches, recording 13 wins and three draws.

Spain’s attacking output has also been impressive. Nine of their last 13 matches have produced over 3.5 goals, highlighting the firepower available throughout the squad. With players eager to secure starting roles ahead of the World Cup, expect an aggressive and attacking approach from the hosts.

Iraq have already exceeded expectations by securing qualification for the World Cup through the intercontinental playoffs. The Lions of Mesopotamia arrive in Spain with confidence after defeating Bolivia and Andorra in recent matches.

However, this represents a major step up in quality. Iraq’s group-stage opponents at the World Cup include France and Norway, making this fixture an important test of their readiness against elite European opposition.

While Iraq have shown resilience in recent months, facing one of the world’s best teams away from home presents an entirely different challenge.

Head-to-Head Record

The two nations have met only once before.

Previous Meeting

• Spain 1-0 Iraq (FIFA Confederations Cup 2009)

Spain narrowly edged that encounter, but they are expected to dominate this much more recent meeting.

Hot Stats and Streaks

• Spain have lost only one of their last 28 matches.
• Spain are unbeaten in their last 16 home games.
• Nine of Spain’s last 13 matches produced over 3.5 goals.
• Only one of Spain’s last eight games saw both teams score.
• Iraq have won their last two matches.
• Just two of Iraq’s last 13 fixtures were decided by a margin of two goals or more.

Key Players to Watch

Spain – Mikel Oyarzabal

The Real Sociedad forward remains one of Spain’s most reliable attacking performers. Spain have lost only once in 19 matches when Oyarzabal has scored.

Iraq – Ali Yousif

The striker scored the winning goal against Andorra and will be Iraq’s main attacking threat in this difficult assignment.

Team News

Spain will continue to monitor the fitness of several key players, although the majority of their Euro-winning squad is available.

Iraq have no major injury concerns and are expected to field a strong lineup as they continue preparations for the World Cup.

Spain vs Iraq Betting Tips

Best Bet: Spain to Win & Over 3.5 Goals

Spain’s attacking depth and recent scoring trends make this one of the strongest betting angles. The hosts should dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities.

Alternative Bet: Spain -2 Handicap

Given the quality gap between the sides, Spain could comfortably win by multiple goals.

Both Teams to Score – No

Spain’s defensive record remains outstanding, with only one of their last eight matches seeing both teams score.

Correct Score Prediction

Spain 4-0 Iraq

Spain possess superior quality across every area of the pitch and should control proceedings from start to finish. Iraq may remain disciplined early on, but the hosts’ relentless attacking pressure is expected to eventually break them down.

Final Prediction

Spain to Win & Over 3.5 Goals

Spain -2 Handicap

Both Teams to Score – No

Correct Score: Spain 4-0 Iraq

Spain look primed for a dominant performance as they begin their World Cup preparations, and anything less than a convincing victory would come as a surprise.