The last time Iraq appeared on the global stage was back in 1986. This time, the resilient Lions of Mesopotamia, making their second FIFA World Cup appearance since then, return to action at the Estadio Municipal de Riazor to face a Spain side preparing for their summer campaign.
It's an international friendly action on Thursday, June 4, as Iraq travels to A Coruna to face a Spain side that has not tasted defeat at home in 16 games. La Roja boss Luis de la Fuente will be aiming to refocus his team after their recent home draw.
📈Team Form 📉
🔹 Spain: Unbeaten at home for 16 games across all competitions.
🔸 Iraq: Reached the World Cup finals by navigating three qualification groups and winning a playoff.
📊Key Stats & Head-to-Head 📊
🔥 The only previous meeting between Spain and Iraq was in June 2009, and it ended in a 1-0 win for Spain.
🔥 Spain enjoyed an unbeaten qualification campaign, dropping only two points from a possible 18.
🔥 Spain has lost only one of their last 28 international matches across all competitions over the last 27 months.
🔥 Aymen Hussein has been clinical for his country, netting 33 international goals in his career.
🔥 This match serves as a crucial warm-up for both nations ahead of the June global showpiece.
🔬 What to Expect From Both Teams 🔥
🇪🇸Spain | Form: W🟢W🟢W🟢D🟡W🟢D🟡:
Luis de la Fuente's side enters this clash with immense confidence, looking to preserve a formidable 16-game unbeaten run in front of their home fans.
With a squad featuring seasoned veterans like Rodri and clinical finishers like Ferran Torres, they provide a stern test for any visiting nation.
Having enjoyed an unbeaten qualifying campaign, this fixture against Asian opposition is a strategic move to master the required playing style.
🇮🇶Iraq | Form: W🟢W🟢L🔴L🔴W🟢W🟢:
Graham Arnold's men are looking to build on a two-match winning streak where they recently found the back of the net against Bolivia and Andorra.
Despite the potential absence of some key Spanish stars, the Lions of Mesopotamia still boast experienced heads like Jalal Hassan and Aymen Hussein.
With group stage matches against France, Senegal, and Norway looming in June, finding their rhythm in Europe this month is a top priority for the technical bench.
👥 Predicted Lineups 👥
🇪🇸 Spain (possible):
Simon, Porro, Pubill, Cubarsi, Cucurella, Gavi, Rodri, Pedri, Pino, Oyarzabal, Torres.
🇮🇶Iraq (possible):
Hassan, H. Ali, Tahseen, Hashim, Doski, Amyn, Al-Ammari, Sher, Bayesh, Al-Hamadi, Hussein.
🔥 Matchups & Players to Watch 👀
✨ Victor Munoz—The Real Madrid winger, on loan at Osasuna, could make his international debut for Spain with Yamal out injured.
✨ Rodri—A vital cog in the Spain engine room who will be tasked with disrupting Iraq's hard-working midfield options.
✨ Aymen Hussein—Arrives in great form, having scored 33 goals in 93 international appearances, posing a constant threat in attack.
✨ Ali Al-Hamadi—The Ipswich Town forward will be expected to lead the line and test the Spanish backline.
💵 Odds Market on MSport 💵
💵 Spain/Home to win = 1.06
💵 Iraq/Away to win = 33.34
💵 Both teams to score (GG/NG Yes) = 2.90
💵 Over 3.5 total goals = 1.80
This clash presents a classic clash of momentum: a dominant home side in Spain faces an Iraq team desperate to prove themselves before the summer.
With both teams using this as a vital dress rehearsal for the World Cup, the Estadio Municipal de Riazor is set for a compelling international night.
Who do you think will take the points? Tell us your prediction in the comments.
🔗 You can follow the Spain vs. Iraq game here on MSport.
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