Iraq to Face Spain in Friendly Match in La Coruña

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's national football team will play a friendly match against Spain on Wednesday evening in La Coruña, Spain, as part of its preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The match is scheduled to kick off at 10 p.m. local time at Riazor Stadium. It marks one of the final preparations for the Iraqi squad under coach Graham Arnold, who described the encounter as a serious test rather than a mere exhibition. Iraq has been drawn in Group 9 of the World Cup, alongside France, Norway, and Senegal. Spain will compete in Group 8, facing Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, and New Zealand in the tournament. Arnold's side will conclude its World Cup preparations with a friendly against Venezuela in the United States on June 9. The 2026 World Cup is set to begin on June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.