Spain held by Iraq in World Cup warm-up as De la Fuente rests ten players over fitness concerns

European champions Spain were held to a 1-1 draw by Iraq in a World Cup warm-up in A Coruña on Thursday, with manager Luis de la Fuente omitting up to ten first-team players over fitness concerns ahead of the tournament in North America.

De la Fuente left out Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, David Raya, Victor Munoz, Marc Cucurella, Pedri, Fabian Ruiz, Martin Zubimendi, Rodri and Mikel Oyarzabal, handing opportunities to fringe players who were unable to make the most of them. The result was a muted farewell on home soil before Spain depart for North America on Friday.

Ferran Torres gave Spain the lead in the 16th minute, bursting through the middle from midfield and firing past the goalkeeper on a swift counter-attack. Iraq levelled in the 27th minute through Merchas Doski, whose superb left-footed strike from a tight angle on the left edge of the box arced over Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia and dropped into the net. Torres also struck the crossbar in the 40th minute, but clear chances were scarce against a disciplined Iraq side whose compact low block denied Spain the rhythm that carried them to the Euro 2024 title in Germany.

Spain’s final warm-up fixture is against Peru in Puebla, Mexico, on Monday before they open their World Cup campaign in Group H against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. Iraq, meanwhile, will make only their second World Cup appearance, placed in Group I alongside France, Senegal and Norway.