Spain to play Iraq in World Cup warm-up game

MADRID, May 2 (Xinhua) -- Spain will play an additional warm-up match ahead of the World Cup finals, the Spanish Football Federation has announced, confirming a friendly against Iraq.

The game will take place at Deportivo La Coruna's Riazor Stadium on June 4 and will serve as Spain's final match before traveling to Mexico, where they will face Peru in another preparatory fixture in Puebla.

The reigning European champion heads into this summer's World Cup as one of the favorites. However, head coach Luis de la Fuente faces several injury concerns as he prepares to name his squad following the conclusion of the La Liga season on May 24.

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has been ruled out for the rest of the domestic season with a hamstring injury and is also expected to miss the warm-ups. Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams continues to struggle for form after being sidelined for much of the season with a pelvic problem. Key midfielder Mikel Merino is also a doubt after undergoing foot surgery in February.

Spain will open its World Cup campaign against Cape Verde in Atalanta, the United States on June 15. Enditem