Airspace Disruptions Due to Conflict Threaten Iraq's World Cup Playoff Spot
Airspace disruptions, stemming from the conflict in Iran, are threatening the Iraqi national team's participation in the intercontinental play-off in Mexico, which will determine the final qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup finals.
Iraq is scheduled to face the winner of the match between Bolivia and Suriname in Monterrey on March 31, but the team has expressed concerns about its inability to travel to Mexico with its full squad.
The closure of Iraqi airspace followed aerial attacks on Iran last Saturday, to which Tehran responded by launching missiles and drones towards neighboring countries.
The Iraqi national team stated in a press release that both FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) are fully aware of all developments concerning the team's situation.
The statement added: "Due to the closure of airspace, our coach Graham Arnold cannot leave the UAE. Furthermore, several embassies remain closed at present, preventing a number of players, as well as technical and medical staff, from obtaining visas for Mexico. We assure our loyal fans that we are in close contact with both FIFA and the AFC, who are closely monitoring the situation."
Iraq has only participated in the World Cup once, in 1986, and currently aims to become the ninth Asian team to qualify for the finals via the play-offs.
