Doski’s stunner earns Iraq a 1-1 draw with a much-changed Spain in La Coruña
Ferran Torres put a rotated Spain ahead at the Riazor, but Merchas Doski’s left-footed effort levelled it and the World Cup favourites could not find a way past Iraq’s returning underdogs.
Jun 5, 2026
Spain wrapped up their home preparations for the World Cup with a draw that will not have pleased Luis de la Fuente. A much-changed side led early against Iraq at the Estadio de Riazor on Thursday, only to be pegged back by a moment of real quality and held to 1-1.
It looked, briefly, like a routine evening. Ferran Torres, handed the captaincy and starting on the right, put Spain ahead in the 16th minute, the sort of early goal that usually settles a friendly into a comfortable rhythm. Iraq had other ideas.
Doski silences the Riazor
The equaliser, when it came in the 27th minute, was worth the admission on its own. Left back Merchas Doski collected the ball on the edge of the area, glanced up to spot Joan García off his line, and lifted a left-footed effort beyond the goalkeeper and into the net. That it came from a defender made it all the more eye-catching.
The confidence behind it is no surprise. Iraq arrived in Spain having qualified for their first World Cup since 1986, and an evening spent trading blows with one of the tournament favourites will only feed the belief building around them before their return to the world stage.
A second-string Spain stutter
De la Fuente had named an experimental team. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams were left out, Pedri was missing too, and the Spain coach rested several of the players who had featured in the Champions League final. Marc Bernal was handed a senior debut in midfield alongside Gavi and Dani Olmo, a glimpse of the depth Spain can call on.
The reshuffle showed. Spain saw plenty of the ball and shaded the chances, but the sharpness was missing in a flat second half, and Iraq’s defensive block held firm. The hosts could not force the winner their possession suggested they deserved.
None of this changes the bigger picture. Spain remain among the strongest sides heading to North America, and a rotated team failing to break down a stubborn opponent in a June friendly is hardly a crisis. De la Fuente will be glad he ran the experiment now rather than a month from now, with his first-choice forwards still to return.