Spain vs Iraq: Match Preview, Predictions and Betting Tips
Published on Tuesday, 02 June 2026 by Steve
Spain vs Iraq
Friendly International Prediction & Betting Tips
Match Overview
Spain welcome Iraq to the historic Estadio Abanca-Riazor in A Coruña on Thursday evening for what promises to be an intriguing international friendly, serving as a crucial warm-up fixture ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The European champions, who lifted the Euro 2024 trophy in Germany under the astute leadership of Luis de la Fuente, are using this match as their final opportunity to fine-tune tactics and assess squad depth before crossing the Atlantic for their tournament opener against Cape Verde on June 15th. For Iraq, this represents a monumental occasion — their first meeting with Spain since the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and a rare chance to test themselves against one of the world's elite footballing nations just days before they make their first World Cup appearance in four decades.
The contrast in footballing pedigree between these two nations could not be starker. Spain arrive in Galicia as reigning European champions, boasting a squad brimming with world-class talent from Europe's top leagues, including some of the best players in the world like Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Rodri. Their recent form has been nothing short of spectacular, with La Roja remaining unbeaten throughout their World Cup qualifying campaign and dispatching opponents with ruthless efficiency. Iraq, meanwhile, have earned their place at the World Cup through sheer determination and resilience, navigating a complex qualification pathway that culminated in a dramatic inter-confederation play-off victory over Bolivia in March 2026. Managed by the experienced Australian tactician Graham Arnold, the Lions of Mesopotamia will be looking to use this fixture to build confidence and tactical cohesion ahead of their daunting Group I assignment against Senegal, Norway and France.
The significance of this fixture extends beyond the 90 minutes on the pitch. For Spain, it represents the culmination of years of meticulous planning by Luis de la Fuente, who has transformed the national team from a side struggling for identity into a cohesive, high-intensity unit capable of dominating possession while maintaining defensive solidity. The absence of any Real Madrid players from the squad for the first time in history has sparked considerable debate, yet De la Fuente's faith in a new generation of stars — many of whom have been nurtured through Spain's renowned youth system — has been vindicated by their recent successes. For Iraq, the match carries profound emotional weight. After 40 years of absence from the World Cup stage, the nation is experiencing a footballing renaissance, and a competitive showing against Spain would provide invaluable momentum. The 2026 World Cup betting markets have already identified Spain as one of the tournament favourites, while Iraq are considered significant underdogs in their group, making this friendly a fascinating study in contrasting footballing philosophies and ambitions.
Tactical Preview
Formation & Key Matchups
Spain 4-3-3
Luis de la Fuente has remained steadfast in his commitment to the 4-3-3 formation that brought Spain glory at Euro 2024, though his interpretation of the system has evolved significantly from the possession-obsessed tiki-taka era. The modern Spanish approach emphasises verticality, high pressing and rapid transitions, with the midfield trio of Rodri, Pedri and Fabián Ruiz forming the tactical heartbeat of the team. Rodri operates as the single pivot, using his exceptional positional intelligence and passing range to dictate tempo and break up opposition attacks before they materialise. Pedri, now fully recovered from the injury troubles that plagued his early career, functions as the advanced playmaker, drifting between the lines to create overloads and unlock defences with his incisive passing. Fabián Ruiz provides the box-to-box energy, arriving late in the penalty area to add an extra goal threat while maintaining defensive discipline. The full-backs, likely Marc Cucurella on the left and Marcos Llorente on the right, are instructed to push high and provide width, creating a back three in possession with Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsí forming a formidable central defensive partnership. Up front, the absence of Lamine Yamal through injury means Dani Olmo or Yeremy Pino could start on the right flank, with Nico Williams on the left and Mikel Oyarzabal leading the line as a false nine capable of dropping deep to link play.
Iraq 4-2-3-1 / 4-5-1
Graham Arnold has typically favoured a pragmatic, compact defensive structure during his tenure with Iraq, recognising that his squad cannot compete with elite European nations in terms of individual quality or technical proficiency. Expect Iraq to deploy either a 4-2-3-1 or a more conservative 4-5-1 formation, with the emphasis on maintaining a low block, congesting central areas and denying Spain space between the lines. The double pivot of Zidane Iqbal and Osama Rashid will be crucial in screening the back four and attempting to disrupt Spain's rhythm through aggressive pressing in midfield. Iqbal, who developed his craft in Manchester United's academy before moving to Utrecht, represents Iraq's most technically gifted player and will be tasked with transitioning from defence to attack when opportunities arise. The wide players, likely Ali Jasim and Youssef Amyn, will be expected to track back diligently to form a five-man midfield out of possession, while Aymen Hussein operates as the lone striker, using his physical presence and aerial ability to hold up the ball and relieve pressure on the defence. Arnold's side will look to exploit set-pieces and counter-attacking situations, knowing that sustained possession against Spain's press is virtually impossible.
Critical Vulnerability
Iraq's most significant tactical vulnerability lies in their inability to maintain defensive organisation when subjected to sustained pressure against technically superior opponents. Spain's ability to circulate the ball at speed, combined with the intelligent movement of Pedri and Oyarzabal in the half-spaces, will stretch Iraq's compact block to breaking point. The Lions of Mesopotamia have struggled against teams that dominate possession in recent qualifying matches, and while they showed resilience in their play-off victory over Bolivia, Spain represent an entirely different proposition. If Iraq's midfield double pivot becomes disconnected from the back four, the channels between centre-backs and full-backs will be exposed, allowing Spain's wide forwards to cut inside and create high-quality chances. Additionally, Iraq's goalkeeper Jalal Hassan, while experienced at 31 years old, has not faced the calibre of finishing that Spain's attack possesses, and any lapses in concentration could prove costly. For those interested in over/under betting markets, the potential for Spain to exploit these vulnerabilities makes the over 2.5 goals an attractive proposition.
Team News & Squad Status
Spain 🔥
- Lamine Yamal (Out): The Barcelona superstar is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained against Celta Vigo in late April. Barcelona and the RFEF have agreed on a "zero risk" approach, meaning Yamal will not feature in this friendly or the subsequent match against Peru. He is targeting a return for Spain's final group game against Uruguay on June 26th.
- Nico Williams (Doubt): The Athletic Bilbao winger has been struggling with injury during the 2025-26 campaign. While named in the squad, his availability for this friendly remains uncertain as De la Fuente prioritises his fitness for the World Cup opener against Cape Verde.
- Mikel Merino (Available): The Arsenal midfielder raced back to fitness for the final Premier League game of the season and has been cleared to participate in pre-tournament preparations.
- No Real Madrid Players: For the first time in history, Spain's squad contains no Real Madrid representatives. Dani Carvajal and former captain Álvaro Morata have been omitted, with De la Fuente praising their "unforgettable legacy of leadership" while backing the new generation.
- Joan García (In Form): The Barcelona goalkeeper enjoyed an outstanding 2025-26 season, winning La Liga as the club's No.1, and provides excellent backup to Unai Simón.
Iraq ⚡
- Aymen Hussein (Key Player): The veteran striker with over 90 senior caps remains Iraq's primary goal threat and captain. His physicality and experience will be vital against Spain's technically gifted defence.
- Zidane Iqbal (Creative Hub): The 23-year-old midfielder, formerly of Manchester United, brings technical quality and composure on the ball that is rare in the Iraqi squad. He will be tasked with orchestrating any rare attacking opportunities.
- Ali Al-Hamadi (In Squad): The Luton Town forward has earned his place in the squad after impressive performances in the English Championship, adding a different dimension to Iraq's attack with his pace and direct running.
- Jalal Hassan (Goalkeeper): The 31-year-old shot-stopper with 20 international caps provides stability between the posts, though he faces the toughest test of his career against Spain's prolific attack.
- Full Squad Available: Unlike Spain, Iraq have no major injury concerns heading into this friendly. Graham Arnold has a fully fit squad to choose from, allowing him to experiment with tactics and give valuable minutes to fringe players ahead of the World Cup.
Predicted Lineups
| Spain 4-3-3 | Iraq 4-5-1 |
|---|---|
| Unai Simón (GK) | Jalal Hassan (GK) |
| Marcos Llorente (RB) | Ali Adnan (LB) |
| Aymeric Laporte (CB) | Rebin Sulaka (CB) |
| Pau Cubarsí (CB) | Frans Putros (CB) |
| Marc Cucurella (LB) | Mustafa Saadoon (RB) |
| Rodri (CDM) | Zidane Iqbal (CM) |
| Pedri (CM) | Osama Rashid (CM) |
| Fabián Ruiz (CM) | Ali Jasim (RM) |
| Dani Olmo (RW) | Ibrahim Bayesh (CAM) |
| Mikel Oyarzabal (ST) | Youssef Amyn (LM) |
| Nico Williams (LW) | Aymen Hussein (ST) |
Head-to-Head Record
Spain and Iraq have met just once before in competitive international football, with that solitary encounter coming at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa. On that occasion, Spain secured a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from David Villa, who was at the peak of his powers as one of the most feared strikers in world football. The match was characterised by Spain's dominance in possession — a hallmark of the tiki-taka era under Vicente del Bosque — but Iraq demonstrated admirable defensive organisation and resilience, limiting the eventual world champions to a single goal despite facing relentless pressure throughout the 90 minutes. That performance earned Iraq respect on the global stage and showcased their ability to frustrate technically superior opponents through disciplined defensive structures.
The historical context of that 2009 meeting is particularly relevant when considering the current state of both nations. Spain were on the cusp of winning their first World Cup, with a squad featuring legends such as Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, Iker Casillas and Carles Puyol. Iraq, meanwhile, were managed by Bora Milutinović and were participating in the Confederations Cup as Asian champions. Fast forward 17 years, and the landscape has shifted dramatically. Spain have added another European Championship and a Nations League title to their trophy cabinet, while Iraq have endured a four-decade absence from the World Cup, complicated by geopolitical instability and administrative challenges that have hampered the development of football infrastructure. However, under Graham Arnold's stewardship, Iraq have shown remarkable progress, qualifying for the 2026 World Cup through the inter-confederation play-offs and demonstrating that they can compete with teams from different confederations. For bettors looking at draw no bet markets, Spain's overwhelming historical advantage makes them the clear favourite, though Iraq's defensive resilience should not be entirely discounted.
Key Players Comparison
🇪🇸 Pedri
Position: Central Midfield
Age: 23
Club: Barcelona
2025-26 Stats: 38 apps, 8 goals, 12 assists
Key Strength: Vision, passing range, tactical intelligence
Spain's midfield maestro has been rejuvenated under Hansi Flick at Barcelona, establishing himself as one of the premier playmakers in world football.
🇮🇶 Zidane Iqbal
Position: Central Midfield
Age: 23
Club: FC Utrecht
2025-26 Stats: 32 apps, 4 goals, 6 assists
Key Strength: Ball retention, composure, technical ability
Iraq's most technically gifted player, Iqbal provides the creative spark in an otherwise industrious midfield unit.
🇪🇸 Rodri
Position: Defensive Midfield
Age: 29
Club: Manchester City
2025-26 Stats: 28 apps, 3 goals, 4 assists
Key Strength: Positioning, interception, long-range passing
The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner remains the anchor of Spain's midfield, breaking up attacks and initiating transitions with metronomic precision.
🇮🇶 Aymen Hussein
Position: Centre Forward
Age: 30
Club: Al-Karma
2025-26 Stats: 24 apps, 14 goals, 3 assists
Key Strength: Aerial ability, hold-up play, finishing
Iraq's captain and record goalscorer, Hussein provides the focal point for attacks and leads by example with his work rate and determination.
🇪🇸 Mikel Oyarzabal
Position: Forward
Age: 29
Club: Real Sociedad
2025-26 Stats: 35 apps, 16 goals, 8 assists
Key Strength: Movement, finishing, link-up play
The Euro 2024 final hero scored the winning goal against England and has developed into one of Spain's most reliable performers in crucial moments.
🇮🇶 Jalal Hassan
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 31
Club: Al-Shorta
2025-26 Stats: 28 apps, 9 clean sheets
Key Strength: Shot-stopping, command of area, experience
Iraq's most capped goalkeeper, Hassan will need to produce the performance of his career to keep Spain's prolific attack at bay.
The disparity in individual quality between these two squads is evident when examining the key player matchups. Spain's midfield trio of Rodri, Pedri and Fabián Ruiz would walk into virtually any national team in the world, combining defensive solidity with creative brilliance in a way that few midfield units can match. Rodri's ability to read the game and intercept passes before they reach dangerous areas will be particularly problematic for Iraq, who rely on quick transitions to create chances. Pedri's movement between the lines will drag Iraqi defenders out of position, creating space for Oyarzabal and the wide forwards to exploit. In contrast, Iraq's hopes rest on the shoulders of Zidane Iqbal, whose technical ability allows him to retain possession under pressure, and Aymen Hussein, whose physical presence and aerial threat offer a route out of defence when Iraq win the ball back. However, the gulf in class is stark — while Iqbal is a competent midfielder in the Dutch Eredivisie, Pedri and Rodri are established stars at Barcelona and Manchester City respectively, operating at the very pinnacle of club football. For those exploring how to understand betting odds, the market pricing reflects this disparity, with Spain priced as overwhelming favourites.
The Managers
Luis de la Fuente
Luis de la Fuente has spent the last 14 years embedded within the Spanish national team setup, methodically working his way through the youth ranks before being handed the senior position in 2022. His appointment was initially met with scepticism from sections of the Spanish media, who questioned whether a coach with limited top-flight club experience could manage the egos and expectations of a squad featuring some of the world's most talented players. Those doubts were emphatically silenced at Euro 2024, where De la Fuente's Spain produced a series of scintillating performances to claim their fourth European Championship title, defeating England in the final with a display of tactical flexibility and attacking verve that harked back to the golden generation of 2008-2012.
De la Fuente's managerial philosophy is built on a foundation of trust in young players and a commitment to high-intensity, possession-based football that prioritises verticality over sterile domination. Unlike the tiki-taka era, where Spain sometimes appeared more concerned with maintaining possession than creating chances, De la Fuente's side moves the ball with purpose, using the width provided by wingers like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams to stretch defences before penetrating through the centre. His man-management skills have also been crucial in fostering a harmonious squad environment, with the controversial omission of Real Madrid players handled diplomatically and the integration of Barcelona's young stars managed with care. As Spain prepare for the World Cup, De la Fuente's challenge is to maintain the winning momentum while managing the fitness of key players and ensuring his squad remains fresh for the knockout stages. His decision to rest Yamal and potentially other starters for this friendly demonstrates the long-term thinking that has become his trademark.
Graham Arnold
Graham Arnold brings a wealth of international experience to the Iraq dugout, having previously managed the Australian national team across two spells and guided the Socceroos to the Round of 16 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. His appointment by the Iraq Football Association in late 2024 was seen as a coup, with Arnold's reputation for building organised, disciplined teams that punch above their weight making him an ideal candidate to lead Iraq back to the World Cup after a 40-year absence. Arnold's coaching career began in 1989, and his three decades of experience at club and international level have equipped him with the tactical acumen and man-management skills necessary to navigate the unique challenges of managing a national team from a region plagued by political instability.
Arnold's tactical approach with Iraq has been pragmatic and adaptable, recognising that his squad cannot compete with elite European or South American teams on technical ability alone. He has instilled a culture of defensive organisation and collective responsibility, with every player expected to contribute to the defensive effort regardless of their primary position. Arnold is also known for his ability to get the best out of limited resources, maximising the potential of players from less glamorous leagues and creating a team ethos that transcends individual limitations. His experience in tournament football — having managed Australia at the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 Asian Cup — will be invaluable as Iraq navigate their challenging Group I fixtures against Senegal, Norway and France. For this friendly against Spain, Arnold's primary objective will be to assess his tactical setup against elite opposition, identify areas that need improvement, and ensure his players enter the World Cup with confidence and clarity about their roles. The live betting strategies for this match will likely focus on Spain's dominance, but Arnold's tactical nous could make Iraq more competitive than the odds suggest.
Betting Predictions & Tips
Odds: 1.83
Spain's overwhelming quality advantage, combined with their need to build momentum ahead of the World Cup, makes the -2.5 Asian handicap the standout selection for this fixture. La Roja have been in devastating form in recent months, scoring three or more goals in five of their last six competitive matches, including a 6-0 demolition of Turkey and a 4-0 rout of Bulgaria. Iraq's defensive record against top-tier opposition is concerning — they conceded two goals against South Korea in their final qualifier and struggled to contain Bolivia's attack in the play-off final. With Spain's midfield likely to dominate possession and create numerous chances, a three-goal margin of victory is well within reach. The over/under 3.5 goals market also offers value, but the Asian handicap provides a safety net should Spain win by exactly three goals.
Odds: 1.65
Iraq's attacking output against elite European defences has been minimal, and Spain's backline — marshalled by the experienced Aymeric Laporte and the prodigiously talented Pau Cubarsí — has been remarkably solid under De la Fuente. In their last six matches, Spain have kept four clean sheets, conceding only two goals in total. Iraq's primary goal threat, Aymen Hussein, will be isolated against Spain's centre-backs and starved of service by Rodri's defensive screening. The Lions of Mesopotamia managed just one goal in three matches against Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and the UAE in their final qualifying group, and creating chances against Spain's organised press will be exponentially more difficult. For bettors seeking sure win predictions, this market offers an excellent combination of probability and price.
Odds: 1.31
Spain's attacking prowess has been on full display throughout their World Cup qualifying campaign, with La Roja averaging 3.2 goals per game in their last six outings. The combination of Pedri's creativity, Oyarzabal's movement and the pace of Nico Williams on the counter should overwhelm an Iraqi defence that has not faced opposition of this calibre in competitive action. While the odds are short, the over 2.5 goals market represents a high-probability selection that can be combined with other picks in an accumulator. Spain's recent friendly against Serbia ended 3-0, and a similar scoreline is anticipated here. Those interested in accumulator betting can use this as a banker selection to boost overall odds.
Odds: 1.75
The Real Sociedad forward has established himself as Spain's first-choice striker under De la Fuente, repaying the coach's faith with crucial goals including the winner in the Euro 2024 final against England. Oyarzabal's intelligent movement and clinical finishing make him a constant threat in the penalty area, and against an Iraqi defence that will be pinned back for long periods, he should have ample opportunities to add to his international tally. With 16 goals in 35 appearances for Real Sociedad this season, Oyarzabal is in excellent form and represents strong value in the anytime goalscorer market. For those who enjoy correct score betting, backing Oyarzabal to score in a 3-0 Spain victory offers enhanced odds.
Odds: 6.50
Our prediction model suggests a comfortable 3-0 victory for Spain, reflecting their dominance in possession, Iraq's defensive vulnerabilities and the likelihood that De la Fuente will rotate his squad in the second half once the result is secure. Spain's recent 3-0 victory over Serbia in a March friendly provides a useful template, with La Roja controlling the tempo before accelerating in the second half to put the game beyond doubt. While correct score betting is inherently risky, the 3-0 prediction aligns with Spain's recent scoring patterns and Iraq's struggles against organised attacking units. For punters seeking big odds selections, this market offers an attractive risk-reward ratio.
📊 Final Score Prediction
Match Analysis
Our prediction of a 3-0 Spain victory is founded on a comprehensive analysis of both teams' recent form, tactical setups and the specific context of this World Cup warm-up fixture. Spain enter the match as reigning European champions and one of the most in-form international teams on the planet, having navigated their World Cup qualifying group with ruthless efficiency and maintained an unbeaten record that stretches back to the Nations League final against Portugal in June 2025. Their attacking output has been particularly impressive, with La Roja scoring 18 goals in their last six competitive matches while conceding just two. The midfield trio of Rodri, Pedri and Fabián Ruiz provides the perfect balance of defensive security and creative impetus, while the forward line — even without the injured Lamine Yamal — possesses enough pace, movement and finishing ability to trouble any defence in world football.
Iraq, for all their admirable resilience and the emotional significance of their World Cup qualification, face an almost impossible task in this fixture. Graham Arnold's side are organised and disciplined, but they lack the individual quality to compete with Spain's technical superiority over 90 minutes. The Lions of Mesopotamia have struggled to create chances against teams of comparable quality to Spain in recent matches, and their defensive record against top-tier European opposition suggests that keeping Spain at bay for the full duration is highly unlikely. While Arnold will undoubtedly set his team up to frustrate and counter-attack, the sustained pressure that Spain's possession-based approach generates will eventually wear down the Iraqi defence. Expect Spain to score early through their dominant midfield control, add a second before halftime as Iraq's defensive structure begins to fatigue, and seal the victory with a third goal in the second half as De la Fuente rotates his squad and introduces fresh legs. For more insights on using statistics for FIFA match predictions, our methodology combines xG data, recent form and tactical analysis to arrive at this conclusion.
Key Insights & Statistics
- Spain's Scoring Prowess: La Roja have scored 18 goals in their last 6 competitive matches, averaging 3.0 goals per game. Their attacking output has been remarkably consistent, with multiple goalscorers contributing across the squad.
- Defensive Solidity: Spain have kept clean sheets in 4 of their last 6 matches, conceding only 2 goals during that period. The partnership of Laporte and Cubarsí has proven particularly effective.
- Iraq's World Cup Return: This will be Iraq's first World Cup appearance since 1986, ending a 40-year absence from the global stage. Their qualification through the inter-confederation play-offs represents a significant achievement.
- Historical Context: Spain and Iraq have met only once before, with Spain winning 1-0 at the 2009 Confederations Cup. David Villa scored the only goal of that encounter.
- Yamal's Absence: Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal will miss this friendly as he recovers from a hamstring injury. He is targeting a return for Spain's final group game against Uruguay on June 26th.
- No Real Madrid Players: For the first time in history, Spain's squad contains no Real Madrid representatives, highlighting De la Fuente's commitment to a new generation.
- Arnold's Experience: Iraq manager Graham Arnold previously led Australia to the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup, giving him valuable tournament experience.
- Home Advantage: Spain are playing on home soil at the Estadio Abanca-Riazor in A Coruña, where they will enjoy fervent support from the Galician crowd.
- European Odds: Spain are priced at 1.06 to win, with the draw at 11.00 and an Iraq victory at 34.00, reflecting the gulf in class between the two sides.
- BTTS Probability: Both teams to score is priced at 2.75 (Yes) and 1.40 (No), with the "No" option strongly favoured given Spain's defensive record and Iraq's attacking limitations.
- Pedri's Form: The Barcelona midfielder has been in sensational form, contributing 8 goals and 12 assists in 38 appearances for his club during the 2025-26 season.
- Iraq's Key Threat: Aymen Hussein has scored 14 goals in 24 appearances for Al-Karma this season and remains Iraq's primary source of goals at international level.
Conclusion
Spain's final warm-up fixture before the 2026 FIFA World Cup represents an ideal opportunity for Luis de la Fuente to fine-tune his tactical approach, give valuable minutes to fringe players and build the winning momentum that carried his side to European Championship glory two years ago. The absence of Lamine Yamal and potentially Nico Williams will force De la Fuente to experiment with his attacking options, but the depth of talent at his disposal means that Spain remain overwhelming favourites to dispatch Iraq with relative comfort. The midfield battle will be particularly one-sided, with Rodri, Pedri and Fabián Ruiz likely to dominate possession and dictate the tempo from the opening whistle. For Iraq, the challenge is to emerge from this fixture with their confidence intact and their tactical identity clear ahead of their World Cup opener against Senegal on June 16th. Graham Arnold will demand defensive organisation and collective discipline, knowing that a heavy defeat could damage morale before the tournament begins.
From a betting perspective, Spain offer compelling value across multiple markets. The -2.5 Asian handicap at 1.83 represents the best pick, given Spain's recent scoring form and Iraq's defensive vulnerabilities against elite opposition. The win to nil market at 1.65 provides a safer alternative for risk-averse bettors, while the correct score prediction of 3-0 at 6.50 offers attractive odds for those willing to take a speculative position. Mikel Oyarzabal anytime goalscorer at 1.75 is also recommended, with the Real Sociedad forward in excellent form and likely to benefit from the creative service of Spain's dominant midfield. As always, responsible gambling is paramount, and bettors should only wager what they can afford to lose. For more football betting tips and strategies, visit our dedicated predictions page.
Ultimately, this friendly is about far more than the result for both nations. For Spain, it is the final piece of preparation before they attempt to add a second World Cup title to their trophy cabinet, building on the legacy of the 2010 triumph in South Africa. For Iraq, it is a celebration of their return to the world stage after four decades of absence, a testament to the resilience of a nation that has overcome immense challenges to qualify for football's greatest tournament. While Spain's quality should ensure a comfortable victory, the true winners on the night will be football fans who witness two nations with vastly different footballing histories sharing the pitch in the spirit of competition. The Estadio Abanca-Riazor will provide a fitting backdrop for this clash of cultures and ambitions, and regardless of the scoreline, both teams will emerge better prepared for the challenges that await them in North America. For the latest football predictions and betting tips, be sure to check our daily updates.