Iraq Holds Spain to 1-1 Draw in World Cup Preparation Friendly
On June 4, 2026, Spain and Iraq played a friendly match at Riazor Stadium in A Coruña, drawing 1-1. Spain took an early lead through Ferran Torres, but Iraq equalized with a spectacular cross-shot goal from Merchas Doski. Spain rested key players and used the match for fitness and debut opportunities, while Iraq’s resilient performance served as a warning ahead of their World Cup group stage clash with France.
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Spanish Press Overwhelms Goalkeeper Joan Garcia After Spain's Surprising Draw Against Iraq
Spain's 1-1 friendly draw against Iraq on June 4, 2026, has sparked strong reactions from the Spanish press, which criticized goalkeeper Joan Garcia for a costly error on a cross from Merchas Doski. The performance is seen as settling the starting goalkeeper debate for the 2026 World Cup in favor of Unai Simon. Coach Luis De La Fuente also faced criticism for fielding a lineup with several reserves and players not expected to be in the World Cup squad, including debutant Marc Bernal. The match, described as 'decaffeinated' and 'tasteless' by Spanish media, featured 22 changes and left little tactical insight. Ferran Torres was the only Spanish scorer. The article also notes parallels with France's friendly loss to Ivory Coast.
Home Football - actualitésDe La Fuente: Spain's Friendly Draw with Iraq Focused on Fitness and Player Rhythm
Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente addressed the media after a 1-1 friendly draw with Iraq. He explained that the match was primarily a fitness and rhythm-building exercise, allowing nine players to make their debuts. De La Fuente praised Iraq's intensity and adaptability, noting they caused Spain problems in central areas. He confirmed that Mikel Merino's 22-minute appearance was positive news for his recovery. Regarding World Cup preparations, De La Fuente stated he remains clear on his starting lineup, including the goalkeeper, with 11 days until the first match. He also commented on Marc Bernal's promising debut, the atmosphere at Riazor Stadium, and dismissed concerns about other teams' friendly results, emphasizing that all nations are in a preparation phase focused on peaking by the tournament start.
虎扑 - 足球Iraq earn 1-1 draw against understrength Spain in World Cup warm-up
Spain played a 1-1 draw against Iraq in their final World Cup warm-up match at Estadio Riazor in La Coruña. Merchas Doski scored a stunning equalizer for Iraq after Ferran Torres had given Spain a first-half lead. However, the result is not considered alarming as Spain fielded a heavily rotated side with eight debutants, and ten regular starters were rested, including Champions League final participants and key players like Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Rodri, and Pedri. Coach Luis de la Fuente used the match to give opportunities to support squad players not traveling to the World Cup. Spain remain among tournament favorites and will depart for Chattanooga, Tennessee via Nashville on Friday.
Football | The GuardianSpain and Iraq Draw 1-1 in Friendly Match
Spain and Iraq played a friendly football match on June 4, 2026, at the Riazor stadium, ending in a 1-1 draw. Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente fielded a lineup of support players who are not going to the World Cup. Ferran Torres scored for Spain in the 15th minute with a counterattack finish assisted by Borja Iglesias. Iraq equalized through Merchas Doski. The match was described as weak for the Spanish national team, with the coach observing from the technical area. The article includes images of fans, team formations, and key moments.
Fútbol en AS.comLuis de la Fuente: Spain excited to play at Riazor after Deportivo's promotion
Spain's national football team drew 0-0 with Iraq in a friendly match at Riazor stadium in A Coruña. Coach Luis de la Fuente expressed satisfaction with the performance of nine debutants, stating they helped the team and have a great future. Despite the draw, de la Fuente emphasized that the match's purpose was to prepare players physically and conditionally for the upcoming World Cup in the United States. He praised Iraq as a nervy and intense opponent. The coach also thanked the Riazor crowd for their welcome and farewell, noting the team was excited to play at the stadium following Deportivo's recent promotion. The match was played under extraordinary conditions after Deportivo fans invaded the pitch the previous Sunday, requiring urgent repairs.
Últimas NoticiasSpain draws 1-1 with Iraq in World Cup warm-up friendly
Spain played to a disappointing 1-1 draw against Iraq in a World Cup preparation friendly at Riazor stadium, with over 30,000 fans in attendance. Coach Luis de la Fuente rested key players like Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, fielding a lineup of support players. Ferran Torres opened the scoring in the 16th minute after a clever pass from Borja Iglesias, but Iraq equalized before halftime when left-back Doski's cross-shot beat goalkeeper Joan García. Spain struggled to regain control in the second half despite numerous substitutions, including the introduction of Mikel Merino. The match served as Spain's penultimate test before the World Cup, with one more friendly against Peru scheduled before their tournament debut against Cape Verde on June 15.
Últimas NoticiasIraq Holds Spain to 1-1 Draw in World Cup Preparation Friendly
Iraq delivered a strong performance in a friendly match against Spain on June 4, 2026, drawing 1-1 in La Coruna. Spain took the lead through Ferran Torres in the 16th minute, but Iraq's left-back Merchas Doski equalized with a spectacular cross-shot goal in the 27th minute, reminiscent of Christophe Jallet's famous goal for France. Doski, who plays for Viktoria Plzen in the Czech Republic, is part of Iraq's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. Iraq is placed in Group I alongside France, Norway, and Senegal. The result serves as a warning to France, who will face Iraq on June 22 in Philadelphia. Iraq is ranked 56th in the FIFA rankings.
Home Football - actualitésIraq Holds Spain to Draw in World Cup Preparation Friendly
In a World Cup preparation friendly played at the Riazor stadium in La Coruña, Iraq managed to hold Spain to a 1-1 draw. Spain took the lead in the 16th minute through Ferran Torres, who slalomed through the Iraqi defense after a cross call from Borja Iglesias. However, Iraq equalized ten minutes later with a stunning goal from Viktoria Plzen full-back Merchas Doski, who received a long pass, cut inside, and curled a cross-shot past Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia. The match was played at a slow tempo, with Spain coach Luis de la Fuente fielding nine reserve players, resting stars like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Nico Williams. Iraq is a future opponent of France in the upcoming World Cup. Spain will face Peru in their next preparation match in Mexico.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuFriendly: Iraq Holds Spain to 1-1 Draw Ahead of World Cup Clash with France
In a friendly match played on June 4, 2026, Iraq faced Spain as part of their World Cup preparations. Spain took an early lead in the 16th minute through Ferran Torres, dominating possession throughout the first half. However, Iraq responded with a spectacular equalizer from Merchas Doski, who scored with a looping cross-shot that surprised Spanish goalkeeper Joan Garcia. Despite Spain's continued dominance after the break, they were unable to find a winning goal, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. The result is seen as a promising performance for Iraq, who are scheduled to face the French national team (the Blues) in the upcoming World Cup. The match highlighted Iraq's defensive resilience and ability to capitalize on key moments against a top-tier European side.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertFriendly: Iraq's Exceptional Goal Against Spain
On June 4, 2026, Spain faced Iraq in a friendly match ahead of the World Cup. Spain took the lead through Ferran Torres. However, Iraq equalized with an exceptional goal from Merchas Doski, who scored with a cross-shot that surprised Spanish goalkeeper Joan Garcia. The article questions whether the goal was intentional or not. The match was broadcast live on L'Équipe. The report is from Foot Mercato, a French football news outlet.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertFerran Torres Scores as Spain and Iraq Draw in World Cup Friendly
Spain faced Iraq on June 4, 2026, in a friendly match at Riazor as part of their preparations for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The match saw an entertaining first half, with Ferran Torres opening the scoring for Spain in the 16th minute after a setup by Borja Iglesias. Torres scored his 26th goal in 54 appearances for La Roja. Spain dominated possession afterward, but Iraq equalized in the 27th minute through left back Doski, who surprised goalkeeper Joan Garcia with a powerful shot. Joan Garcia was one of five Barcelona players in Spain's starting eleven, alongside Marc Bernal (making his debut), Gavi, Dani Olmo, and Ferran Torres. The match remained level at 1-1 at the time of reporting.
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