Against Iraq
European champion Spain fails in the World Cup test
June 5, 2026 – 12:14 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Spain is traveling to the 2026 World Cup as one of the big favorites. Shortly before the start of the tournament, however, the European champions disappointed.
From June 11th, 48 nations will take part in the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico – more than ever before. For many, just taking part is a highlight; this year four nations are taking part for the first time. Meanwhile, the motto “Being there is everything” does not apply to Spain. The reigning European champions are traveling with the ambition of collecting their second World Cup title after 2010.
A few days before the start of the final round, the Iberians suffered a setback. In the penultimate test match before the start of the World Cup, “La Furia Roja” completely surprisingly did not get beyond a 1-1 draw against Iraq.
Spain spared several top performers
In A Coruña, Barcelona attacker Ferran Torres initially gave the Spaniards the lead after 16 minutes, but Iraq quickly equalized. Merchas Doski shot left of the penalty area and surprised Spain goalkeeper Joan García in the near corner. The home team subsequently had opportunities to take the lead again, but ultimately lacked the necessary precision and penetration.
- Difficult preparation: World Cup team has to change training ground again
National coach Luis de la Fuente should be able to cope with the disappointing result. Against Iraq he was without several key players, including Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Pedri and Marc Cucurella.
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The European champions will play another test match on the night of Monday to Tuesday. The Spanish meet Peru in the Mexican city of Heroica Puebla de Zaragoza. Six days later, “La Furia Roja” starts the World Cup finals. The opponents in Group H are Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Urugay.
Meanwhile, Iraq has also qualified for the 2026 World Cup. The Asians will face Norway, France and Senegal in Group I. Iraq will have its World Cup dress rehearsal on Wednesday against Venezuela.