Iraq to Face Spain in Friendly in La Coruña Ahead of World Cup

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's national football team plays Spain in a friendly match in La Coruña on Wednesday as part of its preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The match is scheduled to kick off at 22:00 local time at Riazor Stadium, giving technical director Graham Arnold's squad one of its final tests before the tournament begins. Iraq will face France, Norway and Senegal in Group 9 of the World Cup. Spain is drawn in Group 8 alongside Saudi Arabia, Uruguay and New Zealand. Arnold said the team does not view the fixture as a mere exhibition and expects a serious test against the Spanish side. Iraq will conclude its preparation schedule with a friendly against Venezuela in the United States on June 9. The World Cup starts on June 11 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.