Spain to use Iraq friendly to assess squad options

CORUNNA, Spain — Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said the team’s friendly against Iraq will be an important test for evaluating his squad as part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup. He said the match is a basic part of Spain’s World Cup planning and that he wants to see players who may get more or less playing time. The two sides will meet on Thursday at Riazor Stadium in the Spanish city of Corunna. The game will serve as the final warm-up for both teams before the World Cup. Iraq was drawn into a difficult group with France, Norway and Senegal. The country secured its place in the tournament after beating Bolivia in World Cup qualifying, earning a return to the competition for the first time in about 40 years.