Spain vs Iraq Prediction: La Roja rev the engine ahead of World Cup

| Thursday 4th June 2026, 10:37

Thursday 4th June 2026, 10:37

Spain get their motor running for the World Cup as they welcome Iraq to Estadio Abanca-Riazor, home of Deportivo La Coruna on Thursday (8pm BST). Luis de la Fuente’s men are the pre-tournament favourites with Betfred as it stands. No pressure, then.

Read on for my Spain vs Iraq predictions ahead of this international friendly.

Spain vs Iraq Betting Tips

Spain -3 handicap @ 5/4
First half total goals over 1.5 @ 4/5

*Odds correct as of the time of publication

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Team News

Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal is unlikely to be risked due to a hamstring issue. Joining him on the sidelines will be Athletic Club speedster Nico Williams (groin) and Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino (foot).

Head coach De la Fuente may also choose to allow Martin Zubimendi, David Raya and Fabian Ruiz a chance to rest up following last weekend’s Champions League final.

Football Odds

Iraq has a full complement and some familiar faces among their number. Utrecht’s Zidane Iqbal came through the Manchester United academy, appearing in a Champions League tie with Young Boys. Up top, the visitors boast Ipswich Town forward Ali Al-Hamadi, who spent last season on loan at Luton Town.

Spain vs Iraq Predicted Lineups

Spain: Simon; Porro, Pubill, Cubarsi, Cucurella; Gavi, Rodri, Pedri; Pino, Oyarzabal, Torres
Iraq: Hassan; H. Ali, Tahseen, Hashim, Doski; Amyn, Al-Ammari, Sher, Bayesh; Al-Hamadi, Hussein

Spain vs Iraq Odds

Spain are big favourites at 1/20 while Iraq are your 22/1 outsiders. The draw is marketed at 10/1.

Spain vs Iraq Stats

Spain have conceded in just one of their last eight matches; a 2-2 draw with Turkey
Iraq will participate in the World Cup for the first time since 1986. The Lions of Mesopotamia finished bottom of a group containing Mexico, Paraguay and Belgium

Spain -3 handicap @ 5/4

Iraq haven’t been on a bad run recently. Led by former Australia head coach Graham Arnold, they have won six, drawn two and lost two of their last 10 outings.

But the standard of opposition Iraq have faced pales in comparison to Spain. With La Roja’s finest looking to play their way into their manager’s thinking ahead of the summer showpiece in the States, I expect Spain to impress.

I think there’s goals aplenty in this one. Enough to compensate for a -3 handicap for Spain.

Spain vs Iraq - Handicap +3

Spain, -3.00

5/4

Bet Here

Odds correct at time of publishing.

First half total goals over 1.5 @ 4/5

Spain aren’t going to want to hang around here. The longer you leave an underdog, the more heart they take from their resiliency. With places in De la Fuente’s World Cup XI up for grabs, I expect a quick impact from the Spanish.

Look for Spain’s attacking wealth of riches to run up a clear lead before half-time.

Spain vs Iraq - First Half Total Goals 2-Way

Over 1.5

4/5

Bet Here

Odds correct at time of publishing.