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Watch the live broadcast on iNews TV for complete coverage of the international friendly between Spain and Iraq, part of their preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

As the 2026 World Cup draws nearer, preparations are heating up. European champions Spain are set to host Asian powerhouse Iraq in a crucial warm-up match.

This encounter will serve as an important test for both teams before they head to North America.

For football fans in Indonesia, here’s the full preview including team analysis, head-to-head record, and score predictions for the Spain vs Iraq match.

Schedule, Venue, and Live Broadcast
The match will take place at Deportivo La Coruña’s home ground, Estadio Riazor, Spain. Below are the match details in Indonesian time zones:

Date: Friday, 5 June 2026

Kick-off Time: 02.00 WIB / 03.00 WITA

Venue: Estadio Riazor, A Coruña, Spain

Broadcast: Live on iNews TV and available via official international sports streaming platforms (such as beIN Sports, Amazon Prime, or ViX according to local broadcast rights).

Team Preview: Final Home Test

1. Spain (La Roja)

Under coach Luis de la Fuente, Spain enter this match as one of the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup following their success at the Euro two years ago. The match against Iraq will be their only home friendly before flying to Mexico for another test against Peru.

However, Spain may not field their full-strength squad. Young stars like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are focusing on recovering from minor muscle injuries to be ready for the group opener against Cape Verde. De la Fuente is expected to rotate his lineup and give minutes to players returning from injury, such as Mikel Merino.

2. Iraq (The Lions of Mesopotamia)

Under Graham Arnold’s management, Iraq made history by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1986.

Their success in navigating the long AFC qualification campaign and defeating Bolivia in the inter-confederation playoff proved that the Lions of Mesopotamia are no pushovers.

Facing the world’s No. 2 ranked team like Spain will be a perfect mental and tactical test for Iraq. Their main focus will be on strengthening the defence and relying on quick counterattacks to neutralize Spain’s modern tiki-taka style.

Predicted Lineups

De la Fuente is expected to deploy his usual 4-3-3 formation with some rotational changes, while Graham Arnold is likely to crowd the midfield to disrupt Spain’s rhythm.

Spain (4-3-3): Unai Simón; Marcos Llorente, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Dani Olmo; Yeremy Pino, Mikel Oyarzabal, Álex Baena.

Iraq (4-5-1): Jalal Hassan; Mustafa Saadoon, Rebin Sulaka, Saad Natiq, Merchas Doski; Amir Al-Ammari, Osama Rashid, Ibrahim Bayesh, Zidane Iqbal, Ali Jasim; Aymen Hussein.

Statistical Analysis & Head-to-Head (H2H)

Spain have shown remarkable defensive solidity under De la Fuente, keeping clean sheets in most of their recent internationals and conceding an average of just 0.25 goals per game in that stretch.

Iraq, on the other hand, are still adjusting to the intensity of European-level opponents. Their attacking output has dipped recently, having failed to score in half of their last four matches.

Historical Note: The two sides have rarely met at senior level. Their last competitive meeting came in the 2009 Confederations Cup, when Spain won 1-0 courtesy of a David Villa goal.

Score Prediction: Spain vs Iraq

Even with rotation and a few key players rested, Spain’s squad depth remains formidable. The midfield duo of Rodri and Pedri is expected to dictate possession from the outset.

Iraq may hold firm in the first half, but Spain’s superior finishing quality will likely make the difference after the break.

Predicted Score (AsiaBookie & Analysts): Spain 3-0 Iraq
Editorial Prediction: Spain to win without conceding (Win to Nil).

Key Player Analysis

The outcome of this friendly will depend heavily on the performances of several key players in crucial areas:

Spain: Tempo Control and Creative Flow

Rodri (Midfield): If he starts, the Manchester United anchor will be the heartbeat of La Roja’s game. His role will be essential in breaking Iraq’s counterattacks before they cross midfield and maintaining fluid ball circulation.

Dani Olmo (Forward/Attacking Midfield): With speedsters like Yamal absent, Olmo’s creativity in unlocking Iraq’s low defensive block will be vital. His ability to operate in tight spaces could provide ample opportunities for Oyarzabal.

Iraq: Defensive Wall and Counter Strategy

Zidane Iqbal (Midfield): The former Manchester United academy player will carry the burden of managing Spain’s midfield pressure. His composure under high press is crucial for Iraq’s transition play.

Aymen Hussein (Striker): The tall target man will be Iraq’s main threat during counterattacks or set-pieces. Any lapse in Spain’s aerial marking could be punished by Hussein’s clinical finishing.

Score Link