Spain to play Iraq after Egypt friendly

Spain are gearing up for another international test against Arab opposition, with a friendly match against Iraq scheduled for June 4.

The fixture comes months after Spain’s goalless draw with Egypt national football team and forms part of Iraq’s final preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Iraqi Football Association confirmed the match following discussions between its president Adnan Darjal and Spanish football chief Rafael Louzán during the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada.

The game will take place at the Riazor Stadium, where Iraq will hold a training camp ahead of their journey to the United States for the World Cup.

Iraq’s qualification marks a historic return to the global stage, as the team prepares for its first appearance at the tournament since the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, ending a 40-year absence.

Drawn into a challenging group, Iraq will face France national football team, Senegal national football team, and Norway national football team in Group 9.

The upcoming encounter will also be a rare meeting between Spain and Iraq, marking only the second time the two nations have faced each other, following Spain’s narrow 1-0 victory in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa.