Spain confirms warm-up vs Iraq on June 4 ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026
Synopsis
Spain's road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 gets a final test against Iraq on June 4, but injury shadows loom over head coach Luis de la Fuente's preparations. With Lamine Yamal sidelined and Nico Williams struggling for form, Spain faces a race against time to assemble a fully fit squad for their Group H opener against Cape Verde on June 15.
Key Takeaways
Spain will face Iraq on June 4 at Deportivo La Coruna's Riazor Stadium as a warm-up match before the FIFA World Cup 2026 .
The tournament begins June 12 , with Spain's group stage campaign starting June 15 against Cape Verde .
Lamine Yamal ruled out with hamstring injury; Nico Williams and Mikel Merino remain doubts heading into the tournament.
Spain drawn in Group H with Cape Verde , Saudi Arabia , and Uruguay .
Spanish federation will announce final squad after La Liga concludes on May 24 .
The Spanish football federation on Saturday confirmed that the national team will face Iraq in a warm-up fixture on June 4 at Deportivo La Coruna's Riazor Stadium, serving as final preparation before the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on June 12. The match will precede Spain's second warm-up clash against Peru in Puebla, Mexico, giving head coach Luis de la Fuente crucial match fitness time before the tournament.
Spain's World Cup preparations
The Iraq fixture marks Spain's penultimate tune-up before entering Group H alongside Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay. Spain's World Cup campaign begins on June 15 against Cape Verde, followed by matches against Saudi Arabia on June 21 and Uruguay on June 26. The reigning European champions are among tournament favorites, though injury concerns loom large.
Injury cloud over Spain's squad
Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has been ruled out for the remainder of the domestic season with a hamstring injury and is expected to miss both warm-up matches. Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams continues battling form issues after prolonged absence due to a pelvic problem, while key midfielder Mikel Merino remains doubtful following foot surgery in February. De la Fuente is scheduled to announce his final squad after La Liga concludes on May 24.
Historical context with Iraq
Spain and Iraq have faced each other only once previously — at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, where Spain prevailed 1-0 thanks to a goal from David Villa. The upcoming fixture represents a rare international encounter between the two nations.
Spain's tournament pedigree
The Spanish national team has competed in 16 of 22 FIFA World Cup tournaments and captured their sole world title in 2010. Known for their distinctive possession-based playing philosophy, Spain has reached the quarter-finals on numerous occasions and finished fourth in 1950. Their tournament entry in 2026 carries expectations of a deep run given their recent European Championship success.
Point of View
But the injury list is already testing de la Fuente's depth. Yamal's absence removes a generational talent from warm-up preparation, and Williams' form struggles suggest the midfield creativity that defined Spain's 2024 success may not be fully intact. If these injury concerns persist into the group stage, Spain's path to defending their tournament status becomes considerably steeper.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Spain play Iraq in their World Cup warm-up?
Spain will face Iraq on June 4, 2026, at Deportivo La Coruna's Riazor Stadium in northern Spain. This is Spain's final warm-up match before the FIFA World Cup 2026 begins on June 12.
What is Spain's World Cup 2026 group?
Spain has been drawn in Group H alongside Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay. They will begin their campaign on June 15 against Cape Verde, followed by matches against Saudi Arabia on June 21 and Uruguay on June 26.
Which key players are injured for Spain?
Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has been ruled out with a hamstring injury and will miss the warm-up matches. Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams is struggling with form after a pelvic injury, and midfielder Mikel Merino is doubtful following foot surgery in February.
When will Spain's World Cup squad be announced?
Head coach Luis de la Fuente is expected to announce Spain's final squad after La Liga concludes on May 24, 2026.
Have Spain and Iraq played before?
Yes, Spain and Iraq met once at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, where Spain won 1-0 with a goal from David Villa.
