Overview
- Iraq FA president Adnan Dirjal said the national team will fly by private plane to Monterrey at the end of the week for the March 31 intercontinental play-off.
- Dirjal reported FIFA cooperation, confirmed Mexican entry visas, and said Europe-based players will join the squad separately.
- Earlier calls to postpone the play-off followed regional airspace closures that left coach Graham Arnold in Dubai and many players stuck in Baghdad, but Iraq has now dropped the request.
- The Asian Football Confederation said it has received no notification of an Iranian withdrawal, with the Iranian federation indicating it intends to participate in the World Cup.
- Iraq will face the winner of Bolivia vs Suriname for a place in Group I with France, Senegal and Norway, while Iran remains scheduled for group games in Los Angeles and Seattle.