Visa Lifeline for Iraqi Football Team Amid Global Qualifier Struggles

Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is issuing visas to Iraqi national football players for an upcoming World Cup qualifier. Logistical challenges arise from the Iran war as team members face delays. Iraq's head coach seeks FIFA's intervention to postpone the match due to gathering difficulties.

Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken a significant step by issuing visas to members of Iraq's national football team, as they prepare for the critical World Cup intercontinental qualifier scheduled for March 31 in Monterrey.

The Iraqi team is currently grappling with logistical challenges, primarily due to disruptions sparked by the Iran war, complicating their travel and preparation arrangements. According to the ministry's statement, some players were processed at the Mexican Embassy in Saudi Arabia on March 8, while others are scheduled for processing in Qatar.

Amid these challenges, Iraq's head coach, Graham Arnold, has called on FIFA to consider postponing the qualifier owing to gathering difficulties caused by closed Iraqi airspace. In coordination with the Iraqi embassy in Mexico, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is committed to assisting the Iraqi team members fully document their journey, especially given that Mexico does not have an embassy in Iraq.