Iraq taking private plane to Mexico for World Cup play-off

Despite regional conflict and concerns raised by the coach, Iraq's national football team will travel to Monterrey, Mexico, via private plane for a World Cup play-off match on March 31. The Iraqi Football Association (FA) president, Adnan Dirjal, secured the private flight after airspace closures in the Middle East complicated travel plans due to US-Israeli strikes and Iranian responses. Iraq is scheduled to play either Bolivia or Suriname for a spot in the 2026 World Cup. Dirjal contacted FIFA to explain the travel difficulties, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino directed assistance to facilitate the team's departure. The team is scheduled to depart for Mexico at the end of the week.

Mexico has begun issuing visas to some members of the Iraqi national football team for their FIFA World Cup 2026 intercontinental qualifier match scheduled for March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico. The Iraqi team has faced logistical challenges, reportedly due to disruptions related to the Israeli-United States war on Iran. Visa processing is occurring at Mexican embassies in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Iraq is set to play the winner of Suriname versus Bolivia for a spot in the World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, the US, and Canada. The Iraqi coach has requested a postponement due to the team's inability to fully assemble because of airspace closures. Mexico's Foreign Ministry is working with the Iraqi embassy to provide assistance with documentation.

Iraq's football coach, Graham Arnold, is requesting FIFA delay the team's World Cup playoff match scheduled for March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico. The request is due to disruptions caused by the escalating conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which has closed Iraqi airspace until April 1. This closure prevents the predominantly domestic-based Iraqi squad from gathering and securing necessary visas for travel to Mexico, also forcing the cancellation of a training camp in Houston. Arnold argues that fielding a team solely of international players would significantly diminish Iraq's chances of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in decades. He proposes postponing the final playoff until closer to the World Cup's start date.

Iraq's participation in the upcoming World Cup inter-confederation playoffs in Monterrey, Mexico on March 31 is uncertain due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Airspace closures following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, and Iran's retaliatory response, have created travel chaos. The Iraqi national team reports that their coach is unable to leave the United Arab Emirates and several players and staff are unable to obtain Mexican visas due to embassy closures. FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation are aware of the situation and in close contact with the team. Iraq, currently ranked 58th in FIFA's rankings, is favored to win the playoff and potentially qualify for their second World Cup appearance.