Spain Takes on Iraq in International Friendly: What to Expect, Bold Predictions, and Starting Lineups

Defending European champions Spain will enter this summer's World Cup in North America with the goal of claiming a second world title to their collection.

Before Luis de la Fuente's squad departs for the tournament, they will play two pre-tournament friendlies, beginning with a match against Iraq on Thursday at the Estadio de Riazor in La Coruña.

What might once have appeared to be a routine fixture now carries greater significance. Iraq arrives brimming with confidence, returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1986 after advancing through AFC qualifying and beating Bolivia in the intercontinental play-offs, eager to show they will be a genuine force this summer.

Here's what to anticipate from the encounter between La Roja and the Lions of Mesopotamia.

Spain vs. Iraq Score Prediction

Spain Still Too Good for Graham Arnold's Side

Spain is set to be without several important players for their meeting with Iraq.

Barcelona winger and talisman Lamine Yamal is still nursing a hamstring problem and is unlikely to appear in Thursday's friendly, while Nico Williams and Mikel Merino have also been managing recent knocks and may be absent.

De la Fuente may also choose to give David Raya, Martín Zubimendi and Fabián Ruiz a rest following their participation in the Champions League final at the weekend.

Despite these absences, Spain are still expected to possess far too much quality for Iraq, whose squad includes a number of relatively unknown names at this level and may find it difficult to handle La Roja's sharp passing and fluid movement.

That said, Spain will need to stay alert to Iraq's attacking threat, particularly Ipswich Town forward Ali Al-Hamadi, who brings a direct, physical presence and relishes running at opposing defenders.

Prediction: Spain 4–0 Iraq

Spain Predicted Lineup vs. Iraq

Should De la Fuente opt to rest Raya, experienced goalkeeper Unai Simón—Spain's long-standing No. 1 before Raya claimed the jersey—would be expected to start between the posts, shielded by a back four of Marc Cucurella, Marc Pubill—the only uncapped player in the squad and in contention for a potential debut—Pau Cubarsí and Pedro Porro.

In the middle of the park, Barcelona pair Pedri and Gavi are both fit and in good form, while captain Rodri is also expected to play, though he is unlikely to last the full 90 minutes.

Further up the pitch, Ferran Torres could come in on the right to cover for Yamal, with the reliable Mikel Oyarzabal leading the attack—though both are known for interchanging and drifting across the forward line.

On the left, where Nico Williams would typically operate, the in-form Yeremy Pino—fresh from a Europa Conference League victory with Crystal Palace—could be given a chance from the start.

Spain predicted lineup vs. Iraq (4-3-3): Simón; Porro, Cubarsí, Pubill, Cucurella; Gavi, Rodri, Pedri; Torres, Oyarzabal, Pino.

Iraq Predicted Lineup vs. Spain

Iraq, on the other hand, has limited squad depth, meaning much of Graham Arnold's starting lineup is already fairly predictable.

Fahad Talib is expected to keep his place as the No. 1 and start in goal, with centre-back partnership Zaid Tahseen and Akam Hashem serving as the trusted duo from qualifying, forming the defensive backbone of the team's recent success.

In midfield, Zidane Iqbal—formerly of Manchester United and now plying his trade at Utrecht—could be given a starting berth alongside Aimar Sher, though Amir Al-Ammari and Kevin Yakob also present credible options.

In attack, Arnold's choices will be closely monitored, but Ali Al-Hamadi—coming off an impressive qualifying performance against Bolivia—has featured prominently in promotional content, making him the clear frontrunner to lead the line.

Iraq predicted lineup vs. Spain (4-4-2): Talib; H. Ali, Tahseen, Hashim, Doski; Jasim, Sher, Iqbal, Farji; Al-Hamadi, M. Ali.

What Time Does Spain vs. Iraq Kick Off?

How to Watch Spain vs. Iraq on TV, Live Stream