The Iraqi national team earned a well-deserved 1-1 draw against its Spanish counterpart, the European champion, in a friendly match held on Thursday as part of the two teams’ preparations for the 2026 World Cup finals. Iraq’s equalizer came from Mirjas Doski in the 27th minute with a wonderful shot from the left foot.

Published on: 05/06/2026 - 16:09

The Iraqi national team achieved a valuable 1-1 draw against the Spanish national team, the European champion, in a friendly match held on Thursday as part of the teams’ preparations for the FIFA World Cup finals.

Spain's squad witnessed the absence of a number of its most prominent players by decision of coach Luis de la Fuente, who excluded Lamine Jamal, Nico Williams, David Raya, Victor Muñoz, Mark Cucurea, Pedri, Fabian Ruiz, Martin Zubimendi, Rodri and Mikel Oyarzabal due to concerns related to physical readiness, which forced him to make major adjustments to the starting lineup.

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The Spanish national team found it difficult to find spaces in front of Iraq's tight defensive organization, which succeeded in reducing the danger of the hosts and preventing them from imposing the style that led them to win the 2024 European Cup title in Germany.

Despite the Iraqi defensive solidity, Spain was able to open the scoring in the 16th minute through a quick counterattack, led by Ferran Torres, who launched from the middle of the field towards the penalty area before depositing the ball into the net.

Iraq equalized through Mirjas Doski in the 27th minute with a wonderful left-foot shot from a difficult angle on the left edge of the penalty area. The ball passed over Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who was slightly ahead of his goal line, and fell into the net.

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Torres shot a ball that bounced off the crossbar in the 40th minute, but Spain found it difficult to create clear opportunities in the face of the defensive discipline of the Iraqi national team, which is competing in the World Cup for the second time.

Iraq plays in Group Nine with France, Senegal and Norway. As for Spain, it plays in Group H with Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.

France 24/Reuters

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