Overview
- Iraq FA president Adnan Dirjal says the team will depart this week on a private plane after Gianni Infantino tasked FIFA’s secretary general to help with logistics, with Europe-based players joining separately.
- The Monterrey play-off will decide a World Cup berth against the winner of Bolivia vs Suriname, with Iraq chasing a first finals appearance since 1986.
- Coach Graham Arnold previously sought a delay after regional conflict left roughly 60% of the squad grounded in Baghdad and stranded him in the UAE.
- Regional airspace restrictions since February 28 have complicated travel and consular services, though Mexico has issued visas for players based abroad.
- Iran’s sports minister has declared his team cannot participate, yet no official withdrawal has been confirmed by FIFA or Iran’s federation, leaving any replacement process unclear.