Key Takeaways:
- Iraq held Spain to a 1-1 draw, with both teams continuing their pre-World Cup campaigns
- Ferran Torres opened the scoring after 15 minutes, but Merchas Doski equalised in the 27th minute with his first international goal
- The result extended Iraq’s unbeaten run to 3 matches and marked Spain’s third draw in their last four home fixtures
Match Overview
Iraq produced a resilient performance to earn a 1-1 draw against Spain as both nations continued their preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. This result forced the hosts to settle for another stalemate on home soil, with Spain now recording three draws from their last four home encounters.
First Half Action
Spain immediately asserted control, dominating possession from the outset. Their early pressure nearly paid off after eight minutes when Alex Baena’s attempt slipped through Zaid Tahseen’s legs, only for Ahmed Basil to make a superb save and tip the effort wide. The Iraq goalkeeper was powerless to prevent the opening goal moments later, as Ferran Torres latched onto the ball following a clever Borja Iglesias stepover and powered upfield, dispatching a clinical finish past Basil in the 15th minute.
Spain 🇪🇸 start their World Cup preparations with a draw against Iraq 🇮🇶 🤝 pic.twitter.com/zvLavjhcCC
— 433 (@433) June 4, 2026
Despite the setback, Iraq responded with determination. In the 27th minute, Merchas Doski delivered a bold attempt from a tight angle, sending the ball looping over Joan Garcia for the left-back’s inaugural international goal. The visitors soon faced renewed pressure, with Basil denying Dani Olmo after a deft through-ball from Torres. Iraq, however, continued to make their presence felt, as Marc Bernal and Gavi received bookings for fouls on Marko Farji.
Shortly before the interval, Torres unleashed another dangerous strike, only for Basil to produce a fine fingertip save and divert the ball onto the crossbar, keeping the scores level at half-time.
Substitutions and Second-Half Developments
Both managers opted for significant changes ahead of the restart, with eight substitutions made between the sides. Spain quickly applied pressure, as Jesus Rodriguez threatened with a powerful effort from distance that skimmed just past the post, while Yeremy Pino’s shot was deflected behind for a corner. Debutant Jon Martin then headed wide from the resulting set-piece.
Gonzalo García failed to make the most of a promising opportunity, directing his shot from a lively Baena cross off-target. A further flurry of substitutions from both benches interrupted the game’s rhythm as the second half progressed.
Spain continued to press for a winner, but Iraq remained resolute defensively, holding firm to secure a creditable draw. This result extended Iraq’s unbeaten streak to 3 matches ahead of their participation in a World Cup for the first time since 1986. Facing group rivals Norway, France, and Senegal, this performance will provide the Iraqis with confidence for the challengers ahead.
Match Statistics
| Team | Score | Goal Scorer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 1 | Ferran Torres 15′ | |
| Iraq | 1 | Merchas Doski 27′ |
Context for Spain and Iraq
Spain’s draw leaves them with just a single defeat in their last 29 matches. Nevertheless, the result carries limited significance given that several players involved are not included in Luis de la Fuente’s final World Cup squad, while some regular starters were absent.
For Iraq, this display against high-calibre opposition represents a significant boost ahead of facing a challenging group at the World Cup. With their unbeaten run now at three, Usood al-Rafidayn will take optimism into their first tournament appearance since 1986.
