Trending Now - Mexico Issues Visas to Select Iraqi Players for WCQ

WHO:

Iraq's national soccer team

Graham Arnold, head coach of Iraq's national team

Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs

FIFA, the world soccer governing body

Mehdi Taj, president of Iran’s Football Federation (FFIRI)

WHAT:

Mexico has begun granting visas to players from Iraq's national team for their World Cup playoff match.

The Iraqi team is scheduled to play on March 31, 2026, against the winner of the playoff semifinal between Bolivia and Suriname.

Iraq's Football Association has requested FIFA to delay the playoff game.

Approximately 60% of the Iraqi squad is grounded in Iraq due to closed airspace.

Graham Arnold stated he has multiple plans in place due to the travel issues.

WHERE:

The playoff match is set to take place in Monterrey, Mexico.

Iraqi players are being processed for visas at the Mexican Embassy in Saudi Arabia and the Embassy in Qatar.

Iraq's planned training camp was in Houston, Texas.

WHEN:

The playoff match is scheduled for March 31, 2026.

Visa processing for some players occurred on March 8, 2026.

The semifinal match between Bolivia and Suriname is set for March 26, 2026.

Graham Arnold mentioned that most players will be stuck in Iraq until at least April 1, 2026.

WHY:

The war in Iran has caused disruptions, affecting Iraq's ability to travel for the match.

The airspace above Iraq is closed, preventing the team from gathering fully.

HOW:

Players are being processed for visas at embassies in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Arnold is considering various plans to address the travel challenges, including the possibility of delaying the playoff game.

(UPDATED March 10, 2026 23:06 UTC)

Mexico has begun granting visas to players from Iraq's national soccer team as they prepare for their World Cup playoff match scheduled for March 31, 2026, in Monterrey. Due to the ongoing war in Iran and closed airspace above Iraq, approximately 60% of the Iraqi squad remains grounded, prompting head coach Graham Arnold to explore multiple plans to address these travel challenges, including a request to FIFA for a delay in the match. Visa processing for some players took place on March 8 at the Mexican Embassy in Saudi Arabia and the Embassy in Qatar, while the semifinal match between Bolivia and Suriname is set for March 26.