Spain 1-1 Iraq in La Coruña; Iran Plays Final Closed-Door Warm-Up vs Mali in Antalya Before June 6 Departure for Mexico

Spain drew 1-1 with Iraq in an international friendly at Estadio Abanca-Riazor in La Coruña on June 4, 2026 — a result that will please Iraq's tacticians ahead of their Group I opener vs France (June 15). Ferran Torres opened the scoring for Luis de la Fuente's side in the 16th minute, but Iraq equalized in the 27th minute with a spectacular long-range strike by Merchas Doski — the first time Iraq have scored against Spain in an international match. Spain showed their characteristic possession but were unable to find a winner. Spain are Group D favourites (alongside Morocco, Colombia, and Uzbekistan) and the draw against Iraq — a side ranked outside the top 40 — will prompt some mild concern, though most of Spain's key players still have World Cup form ahead of their June 16 opener. Simultaneously on June 4, Iran played their final pre-tournament warm-up behind closed doors in Antalya, Turkey — a closed-door friendly against Mali with no spectators or media permitted. Iran had previously defeated Costa Rica and Gambia and lost to Nigeria in their Antalya pre-tournament series. The closed-door format reflects the tense security environment around Iran's World Cup participation given ongoing US-Iran diplomatic tensions. Iran's squad departs Antalya on June 6 for Mexico — making this their last competitive action before their Group G opener vs New Zealand at SoFi Stadium on June 15. 7 days to World Cup kickoff at Estadio Azteca.