Spain’s World Cup plans: friendlies against China and Peru in the pipeline

Spain is negotiating a June 4 friendly against China in La Coruña, which would be La Roja’s final match on home soil before flying to North America for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Estadio Riazor, home of LaLiga club Deportivo, is the venue which the RFEF have in mind for the game.

Shortly after the June 4 friendly, the Spain squad will fly out to the US, to set up their base camp in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Once in the states, Spain is expected to play one last tune‑up match—likely against Peru—before turning its full attention to the group‑stage opener against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay.

Before all that, next month brings a major test: the Finalissima against Argentina. The March 27 showdown, played against the FIFA No. 2 and reigning world champion, will serve as a near‑definitive exam for both national teams.

This will be Spain’s first appearance in the Finalissima, a trophy with only three previous editions. The first two—then called the Artemio Franchi Cup—were held in 1985 and 1993, won by France and Argentina respectively. After a long hiatus, the competition returned in 2022 with Argentina defeating Italy in London. The Albiceleste now hold two of the three titles and are aiming for another against Spain.

Before returning from Qatar, Spain will also play a second friendly on March 30 against Egypt, also in Qatar.

June friendlies and the road to the World Cup

The June warm‑ups will be Spain’s final preparation before the World Cup. Interestingly, China was also Spain’s last opponent before winning Euro 2012, a coincidence not lost on longtime fans.

Then comes the real thing.

Spain opens its World Cup campaign on Monday, June 15, against Cape Verde at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. ET.

Back in Guadalajara 40 years later

Six days later, on Sunday, June 21, Spain will face Saudi Arabia at the same stadium and the same kickoff time.

The third and toughest group‑stage match comes against Uruguay on Friday, June 26, at 7:00 p.m. local time in Mexico at Estadio Chivas in Guadalajara.

Spain will be returning to Guadalajara 40 years after one of the most memorable—and controversial—matches in its World Cup history: the 1986 showdown against Brazil. Spain lost 1–0 on a goal by Sócrates, but the match is remembered for Michel’s “ghost goal”, a shot that hit the crossbar and bounced clearly over the line but was never awarded by referee Chris Bambridge.

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