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The Iraqi team is encountering logistical challenges due to disruptions from the Iran war.
Mexico, USA and Canada will co-host the FIFA World Cup 2026. (AFP Photo)
Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has started issuing visas to players from Iraq’s national team ahead of the World Cup intercontinental qualifier on March 31 in Monterrey.
The Iraqi team is encountering logistical challenges due to disruptions from the Iran war.
“On March 8, some players were processed at the Mexican Embassy in Saudi Arabia, and tomorrow other individuals are scheduled to be processed at the Embassy in Qatar,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a statement late Monday.
The government did not disclose the number or names of players who received visas.
Iraq is set to compete against the winner of the match between Suriname and Bolivia for a place in the World Cup, aiming for a group slot with France, Norway, and Senegal.
The World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, begins on June 11.
Iraq head coach Graham Arnold has requested FIFA to delay the intercontinental qualifier. With Iraqi airspace closed, Arnold’s team, primarily composed of domestic league players, cannot fully assemble.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it is in touch with the Iraqi Embassy in Mexico and is prepared “to provide all necessary assistance in documenting the members of the Iraqi national team.”
With AP Inputs
March 11, 2026, 09:31 IST
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