The uncertainty surrounding Iraq’s participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Intercontinental Play-off seems to be beginning to clear up. In recent days, the Asian Football Confederation side had warned that it was facing serious difficulties in travelling to Mexico to play its match.
This was due to the closure of airspace in their country and problems in processing visas amid the conflict in the Middle East. This situation even led the Iraqi Federation to ask FIFA to consider a change of venue or the postponement of the match in Monterrey.
However, the situation began to change with the intervention of the Mexican authorities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) said that they are facilitating immigration procedures for players, coaching staff and personnel of the Iraqi national team.
SRE will support the staff of the Iraq national team
Through a statement, the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs explained that pertinent documentation has already been delivered to some Iraqi footballers, in order to be able to enter the country and make the trip to Mexico.
“Since the visa applications became known, the Embassy of Mexico in the United Arab Emirates has been in communication with the directors of the Iraqi Football Federation and the team’s coach, Graham Arnold,” the statement begins.
“Likewise, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has maintained contact with the authorities of FIFA and the Mexican Football Federation”, all in order to support the coaching staff of the Iraq national team.
They pointed out that “Iraq’s airspace remains closed due to the conflict in the Middle East”, which is why the Mexican authorities intervened.
“On March 8, some players were documented at the Mexican Embassy in Saudi Arabia, and tomorrow (Tuesday) it is planned to document other people at the Embassy in Qatar,” the SRE statement continues.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates its willingness to facilitate the obtaining of documents that may still be required by any player or manager of the team, in accordance with the applicable regulations,” the agency said.
How is the 2026 World Cup play-off played?
The Intercontinental Playoff will be played from March 26 to 31 at the Guadalajara and Monterrey Stadiums. Each venue will host two matches, to award two tickets to the 2026 World Cup.
Guadalajara Stadium
- New Caledonia vs Jamaica: March 26
- Democratic Republic of Congo vs winner of first match: March 31
Monterrey Stadium
- Bolivia vs Suriname: March 26
- Iraq vs winner of first match: March 31
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