Iraq’s national team faces critical travel and visa obstacles ahead of their World Cup playoff in Mexico due to regional instability and coach Graham Arnold being stranded in the UAE.
Iraq’s World Cup qualification efforts are in jeopardy as the conflict in Iran causes severe logistical disruptions.
Head coach Graham Arnold is currently stranded in the United Arab Emirates due to regional airspace closures, while several key players remain without Mexican visas.
The Iraqi federation stated, “In addition, several embassies remain closed… preventing several professional players, technical and medical staff members from obtaining entry visas.”
Mexico’s foreign ministry is working to expedite the process through European embassies, but the clock is ticking before the March 31 playoff in Monterrey.
Arnold emphasized the gravity of the situation, having previously noted, “the most important thing is that we get things right with ourselves.”
If issues persist, Iraq’s first potential World Cup appearance since 1986 could be decided by FIFA’s administrative intervention.