Verdict: Total home goals over 3.5
Best odds:
Bookmaker: 888sport
Spain's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup begin on Thursday night when they welcome Iraq to the Estadio Municipal de Riazor for an international friendly.
While La Roja arrive as one of the favourites for the tournament, the Lions of Mesopotamia aim to test themselves against elite opposition ahead of their own long-awaited return to the global stage.
Spain
Spain enter the summer as one of the standout contenders to lift the World Cup, seeking to add a second global title to their historic triumph in 2010. Since that success in South Africa, however, La Roja have endured a string of disappointing campaigns, exiting at the group stage in 2014 before falling in the round of 16 in both 2018 and 2022.
The current iteration of the national team, under Luis de la Fuente, appears far better equipped to challenge for honours. Spain are reigning European champions following their Euro 2024 success, and they progressed through World Cup qualifying unbeaten, recording five wins and one draw to finish top of their group ahead of Turkey, Georgia and Bulgaria.
Form has been a consistent strength. Across their last 28 international matches over the past two years, Spain have suffered just one defeat—and that came via penalties against Portugal in the UEFA Nations League final. Their dominance at home has also been notable, with an unbeaten run stretching toward 17 matches at Spanish stadiums, despite a goalless draw with Egypt in their most recent home outing.
This fixture represents the final opportunity for de la Fuente to assess his squad in front of home supporters before a concluding friendly against Peru next week. Squad management will be key, with several players either unavailable or potentially rested following recent commitments.
Team News
Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal remains sidelined with a hamstring injury and is not expected to feature, while Nico Williams and Mikel Merino are also unavailable after recent groin and foot issues respectively. In addition, David Raya, MartÃn Zubimendi and Fabián Ruiz were involved in last weekend's Champions League final, and the coach may opt to rest them, opening the door for Unai Simón to start in goal.
There are, however, plenty of available options. Rodri is expected to play some part, though his minutes may be managed, while Gavi, Pedri, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres are all available and likely to feature. In defence, uncapped Atlético Madrid centre‑back Marc Pubill could make his international debut, potentially alongside Pau CubarsÃ, Eric GarcÃa or Aymeric Laporte.
Iraq
Iraq approach this match with a mixture of optimism and realism as they prepare for only their second-ever World Cup appearance and their first since Mexico 1986. Their path to qualification was long and demanding, requiring progression through multiple AFC rounds before securing their place with a 2–1 victory over Bolivia in an inter‑confederation playoff.
Since the appointment of Graham Arnold, the Lions of Mesopotamia have demonstrated encouraging progress, winning nine of their last 14 matches. Although they ended 2025 with defeats to Algeria and Jordan in the Arab Cup, they have since responded with victories over Bolivia and Andorra, most recently recording a narrow 1–0 win in a friendly.
The upcoming weeks are crucial for Iraq, who will face Spain and Venezuela before entering a challenging World Cup group containing France, Senegal and Norway. Their opening match against Norway on June 16 will require a high level of tactical discipline and resilience.
Historically, Iraq face a formidable challenge against Spain, having lost their only previous meeting, a 1–0 defeat in the 2009 Confederations Cup. They arrive as clear underdogs but will look to use the fixture as a learning opportunity rather than merely a test of results.
Team News
Iraq are largely at full strength. Captain and goalkeeper Jalal Hassan is set to earn his 101st international cap and will likely be protected by a defensive line featuring Hussein Ali, Zaid Tahseen, Akam Hashim and Merchas Doski.
Midfield selection is competitive, with Zidane Iqbal among those vying for a place alongside Amir Al‑Ammari, Aimar Sher and Kevin Yakob. In attack, experienced striker Aymen Hussein—who has scored 33 international goals—is expected to lead the line, supported by Ipswich Town forward Ali Al‑Hamadi.
Conclusion
Even with several key players missing or rotated, Spain's depth and attacking quality remain formidable. Their consistency over the past two years and their dominance at home suggest they will approach this match with confidence as they fine‑tune their preparations.
Iraq, while improving and well‑organised, are still developing at this level and may struggle to match Spain's technical ability and game control over 90 minutes. Their focus will be on maintaining defensive shape and taking positives into the tournament.
With momentum, quality and experience on their side, La Roja are expected to begin their World Cup preparations in convincing fashion, securing a comfortable victory in front of their home supporters.
Verdict: Total home goals over 3.5
Best odds:
Bookmaker: 888sport
