Eight new players wear Spain’s shirt for the first time at Riazor

In Spain’s final match on home soil before heading to the World Cup, eight players wrote the first chapter of their international careers. Debutants who leave behind dreams to embrace the reality of wearing the national crest, aware that every minute on the pitch can mark the beginning of an unforgettable journey.

In the starting eleven, two names appeared for the first time in Spain’s lineup: Jon Martín and Marc Bernal.

At half-time, Luis de la Fuente turned to his bench, and Gonzalo García became the first to make his senior debut in the match. In the 60th minute, Javi Guerra, Beñat Turrientes, and Marc Pubill also earned their first minutes for Spain against Iraq. Pubill is one of the players selected by Luis de la Fuente for the upcoming World Cup, which begins in just over ten days for the national team. The Atlético de Madrid defender, born in Terrassa, will turn 23 during the tournament, his first major competition with the senior side after a standout season.

Leo Román and Javi Rodríguez were also added to the list of debutants at Riazor, entering the pitch in the 72nd minute. A historic match which, despite ending in a draw, served as both a tribute and farewell for a team that will depart this Friday, 5 June, for the United States to begin the pursuit of a second star.

In addition, the nine training partners who have been working alongside the 26 selected players for the World Cup squad since Saturday 30 May were also given minutes in the Spain vs Iraq match.

With these latest appearances, Luis de la Fuente has now handed debuts to 37 players since taking charge of the national team.