The Spanish team began its preparation journey for the 2026 World Cup, in the USA, Mexico and Canada, with a 1-1 draw against Iraq, in Riazor. In addition to the result, the meeting at Deportivo da A Coruña will be remembered for the strong stamp of Real Sociedad: two debutants from Zubieta and the return of Sergio Gómez to the A team.
Without Mikel Oyarzabal, spared as a precaution along with the nucleus that should be a starter in the big competition, the weight of “txuri-urdin” fell on the support group brought together by Luis de la Fuente. Of the nine players called to complete the preparation in Las Rozas, the three representatives of Real Sociedad played minutes, with two confirmed debuts.
The night was especially remarkable for Jon Martín, launched as a starter in the defensive axis. The young defender produced a confident and mature performance, showing solidity alongside Laporte in the first half and maintaining his level after the break with Eric García. Even so, he ended up unintentionally linked to Iraq's equalizer: Doski tried a cross from the left that Jon Martín was unable to stop and the ball turned into a treacherous center shot that beat goalkeeper Joan García. Little to point out to Lasarte's canterano.
Upon resumption, the moment arose for the other two realists. At half-time, Sergio Gómez replaced Grimaldo on the left side. The versatile player, already international since 2024, fulfilled the criteria in a solid game, practically allowing no spaces behind, even with less offensive projection.
The icing on the cake arrived in the 58th minute, with the entry of Beñat Turrientes, simultaneously with Javi Guerra, in an authentic midfield revolution. Beasain's midfielder made a dream debut, with more than half an hour of strong personality: very active, always asking for the ball and covering a large radius of action. A clear sign that Zubieta's factory continues to fuel the present and future of the Spanish national team.