Spain’s send off to the 2026 FIFA World Cup didn’t go exactly as planned as one of the aforementioned tournament favourites failed to impress in their game against Iraq.
The Spanish side drew 1-1 with Iraq in Spain with both goals coming in the first half through Ferran Torres in the 16th minute while Iraq’s Mechas Doski scored the equaliser in the 27th minute albeit with a stroke of fortune as his cross attempt ended up in the Spanish net from an improbable angle. (Scroll down to watch video)
Spain played without key wingers Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal who are injured and in a serious race to get fit to play at the World Cup. Both players, who were part of Spain’s 2025 European Championship title winning group, have dealt with groin and hamstring injuries in the 2025-2026 season.
Speaking to the press after the game, Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente said that he was a bit surprised with the performance of Iraq.
“We wanted a game with a strong physical component, something that helped the players adapt. No injuries — that’s important. Now we enter a new phase with more intensity and more players contributing.”
“They surprised me in a very positive way. We struggled in the first half to stop their progressions. They’re an interesting team with a lot of energy. They pushed us and made things complicated” he said.
Spain will play against Uruguay, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia in Group H in this year’s World Cup.
🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨 هدف!
العراق تسجل التعادل امام اسبانيا جنون!!!!!!🇮🇶
هدف خيالي امام اسبانيا 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱 pic.twitter.com/Hp8jI0EU86
— سهم (@1SMi_) June 4, 2026
