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The Iraq national football team, featuring Persib Bandung defender Frans Putros, managed to secure a 1-1 draw against Spain in an international friendly during the June 2026 FIFA Matchday.

The match between Iraq and Spain took place at the Riazor Stadium in A Coruna on Thursday (4 June 2026) evening local time. The game concluded with both sides sharing the spoils at 1-1.

Spain took the early lead through Ferran Torres, who found the net in the 16th minute.

Iraq responded quickly, levelling the score at 1-1 thanks to Merchas Doski’s goal in the 27th minute.

Persib Bandung defender Frans Putros came on as a substitute in the 62nd minute, replacing fellow defender Hussein Ali.

This friendly served as part of Iraq’s preparations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada in a few weeks’ time.

In the upcoming 2026 World Cup, Iraq have been drawn in Group I alongside France, Senegal, and Norway. Below is Iraq’s group stage schedule:

• Iraq vs Norway
Wednesday, 17 June 2026

• France vs Iraq
Tuesday, 23 June 2026

• Senegal vs Iraq
Saturday, 27 June 2026

Previously, Iraq secured their ticket to the 2026 World Cup after winning the inter-confederation play-off final in Pathway 2.

In that decisive match, Iraq — who had topped the fifth round of the AFC Asian Qualifiers — recorded a 2-1 victory over Bolivia.

Iraq National Team Squad

The Iraq national team, coached by Graham Arnold, will compete in the World Cup with a 26-man squad. Here is the full roster:

Goalkeepers: Fahad Talib, Jalal Hasan, Ahmed Basil

Defenders: Hussein Ali, Manaf Younis, Zaid Tahseen, Rebin Sulaka, Akam Mashem, Merchas Doski, Ahmed Yahya, Mustafa Saadoon

Midfielders: Zaid Ismail, Amir Al Ammari, Kevin Yakob, Zidane Iqbal, Aimar Sher, Frans Putros

Forwards: Youssef Amyn, Ibrahim Bayesh, Ahmed Qasim, Marko Farji, Ali Jassim, Ali Al Hamadi, Ali Yousef, Aymen Hussein, Mohamad Ali

Match Summary: Iraq vs Spain

Spain began the match on the front foot, immediately taking control of possession and dictating the tempo against Iraq.

Under the guidance of coach Luis de la Fuente, La Roja opened the scoring in the 16th minute.

The goal came from Ferran Torres, who slotted a low shot past the goalkeeper after a well-timed assist from Dani Olmo during a swift counterattack.

Falling behind, Iraq increased their attacking intensity and pushed forward with more purpose.

Their efforts paid off when Merchas Doski equalised in the 27th minute with a powerful strike that went into the corner of the net, leaving Spanish keeper Joan Garcia helpless.

After the equaliser, the game became more open as both sides exchanged attacking opportunities.

Despite several promising chances, the score remained 1-1 at half-time.

In the second half, Spain maintained their dominance and continued to press Iraq’s defence.

Iraq, however, stayed compact and looked to capitalise on quick counterattacks that occasionally troubled the hosts.

Spain’s poor finishing prevented them from regaining the lead.

When the final whistle blew, the scoreline stayed unchanged at 1-1, marking a solid result for Iraq in their World Cup preparations.