US EditionIraq to Travel for Mexico Playoff Despite Coach’s Call for Postponement
Iraq will use a private charter and secured visas to reach Monterrey amid Middle East airspace closures affecting flights since Feb 28, FIFA helped navigate logistics.
- On Saturday, Iraqi Football Association president Adnan Dirjal confirmed Iraq will travel to Monterrey, Mexico, on March 31 for their World Cup playoff, overcoming regional travel disruptions.
- Coach Graham Arnold urged FIFA to postpone the match, warning that Middle East conflict and closed regional airspace since February 28 could prevent squad assembly.
- Dirjal reported that FIFA remained "cooperative" in resolving logistical obstacles, securing entry visas and arranging a chartered aircraft; Europe-based players will join separately.
- Uncertainty regarding Iran's participation persists amid political tensions, though Dirjal noted there is "nothing official" about a withdrawal despite President Donald Trump opposing their attendance.
- With 17 days until the match, the team's full focus is preparation and reaching the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Iraq's national football team no longer insists on moving the play-off game to participate in the World Cup. As President Adnan Dirjal said in a statement, the team will travel to Mexico on a private plane to compete in Bolivia or Suriname on the night of April 1st to compete for one of the last starting places for the World Cup in the summer. "We need to focus on the game and prepare for it. We have one goal: to qualify for the World Cup," said…
Airblocks and missing visas make it difficult for the Iraqi team to participate in the World Cup qualification. Now solutions seem to be found – and the team wants to play on time.
Iraq's selection to travel to Mexico to contest its world-wide rejection party despite the difficulties of the war.
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