Spain vs Iraq

Estadio Municipal de Riazor
F. Badstubner
2026
Match Report
A surprise draw in La Coruña as Spain were held to a 1-1 stalemate by Iraq in their World Cup warm-up friendly at Estadio Abanca-Riazor. The standout moment came from Iraq left-back Merchas Doski, whose looping long-range effort floated past goalkeeper Joan García to cancel out the hosts' opener.
Ferran Torres put Spain ahead in the 16th minute with a precise finish, but Doski levelled just 11 minutes later. Despite dominating possession and sending 13+ shots at goal — including a Torres effort that rattled the crossbar before halftime — Spain couldn't find a winner. Marc Bernal and Gavi were booked across a feisty evening, while Leo Román made his senior debut in goal after replacing García at the break.
For Spain, it's a second straight pre-tournament draw, with several key players absent through injury and club commitments. For Iraq — returning to the World Cup after a gruelling qualification campaign — the point is a genuine confidence boost ahead of a historic summer.
Match Events
27'
32'
M. Bernal(Holding)
37'
Gavi(Holding)
46'
46'
46'
46'
57'
Z. Ismaeel(Foul)
59'
62'
62'
62'
72'
73'
80'
R. Sulaka(Foul)
27'
(Holding)M. Bernal
32'
(Holding)Gavi
37'
46'
46'
46'
57'
Z. Ismaeel(Foul)
62'
62'
62'
72'
73'
80'
R. Sulaka(Foul)
Statistics
66%Possession34%
13Shots3
4Shots on Target2
5Corners3
8Fouls10
4Offsides1
2Yellow Cards2
679Passes343
1Saves3
Head to Head
1
Spain wins
1
Draws
0
Iraq wins
Goals: 2 - 1

