World Cup 2026

Spain’s World Cup preparation takes shape with Iraq showdown and Mexico trip locked in

Spain settle their World Cup preparation plan with two confirmed friendlies at home and abroad at the start of June.

Stoyan Nenov

Update: May 1st, 2026 12:57 EDT

Spain has locked in its final preparation schedule ahead of the World Cup. Spanish Football Federation president Rafael Louzán finalized the first of La Roja’s upcoming friendlies during a meeting in Vancouver.

World Cup warm-up schedule set

Spain will face Iraq, also a World Cup-bound team, on June 4 in A Coruña, Spain. There had been uncertainty over whether the match would be played in Spain or the United States, but that possibility has now been ruled out.

Instead, the fixture will take place on Spanish soil in Galicia, marking an important home send-off as the team continues its buildup to the tournament.

Match in Galicia confirmed

After the Iraq game, Spain will travel to Mexico, where they will face Peru on June 8 in Puebla.

Louzán and Iraqi Football Federation president Adnan Dirjal finalized the details of the A Coruña match during the FIFA Congress in Vancouver.

Iraq vs Spain. June 4. In Spain 🇪🇸🔥

One of the biggest friendlies in our history as we prepare for the World Cup 🌍

Proper test against a European giant… and a chance for Iraq fans to show up big.

Who’s making the trip? 🇮🇶✈️ pic.twitter.com/AgHA7c6imm
— Iraq Football Podcast (@IraqFootballPod) May 1, 2026

Second stop in Mexico

The trip to Puebla will serve as Spain’s second and final friendly in this preparation window, offering a contrasting environment just days after the match in northern Spain.

Past meeting between Spain and Iraq

Spain and Iraq have met only once before. That came at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, where Spain earned a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from David Villa.

A Coruña a familiar venue

The match against Iraq will mark the seventh time Spain has played in A Coruña. The national team last played there in 2022, also in a pre-World Cup friendly, when they defeated Iceland 5-0 in front of a packed crowd at Riazor Stadium.

Spain’s 2026 World Cup schedule

Spain have been drawn to play in Group H alongside Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay at World Cup 2026.

June 15: Spain vs Cape Verde, Atlanta
June 21: Spain vs Saudi Arabia, Atlanta
June 26: Uruguay vs Spain, Guadalajara