Iraq to Travel to Mexico for FIFA World Cup 2026 Play-Off Despite Regional Airspace Crisis

Baghdad, March 2026 : The Iraq Football Association has confirmed that the national team will participate in the upcoming intercontinental play-off for the FIFA World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in Monterrey, Mexico, on March 31.

The announcement was made by the association’s president Adnan Dirjal on Sunday, who said the team would travel to Mexico aboard a private aircraft due to ongoing travel disruptions in the Middle East.

Airspace across much of the region has remained closed since February 28 following military strikes by the United States and Israel on targets in Iran. The situation escalated after Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting several countries in the region, forcing airlines to suspend or reroute flights and causing widespread disruptions to air travel.

Despite these challenges, Dirjal said arrangements have been made to ensure the Iraqi national team reaches Mexico in time for the crucial fixture. Mexican authorities have already issued visas to all members of the squad and support staff, allowing the team to proceed with its travel plans without administrative delays.

Dirjal also acknowledged the support provided by football’s global governing body, the FIFA, in facilitating the team’s participation in the play-off.

According to him, FIFA President Gianni Infantino instructed the organisation’s Secretary General Mattias Grafström to assist Iraqi officials in overcoming logistical challenges related to travel and preparations for the match.

“The national team will depart at the end of the week to Mexico via a private plane,” Dirjal said, adding that every effort is being made to ensure that the players can focus fully on the upcoming match.

He emphasised that the team’s primary objective is to secure qualification for the World Cup and urged players and officials to remain focused during the final days of preparation.

“Only 17 days remain, and we must concentrate on preparing for the match. Our single goal is to qualify for the World Cup,” Dirjal said. He added that the Iraqi Football Association and the coaching staff are working to provide the best possible conditions for the players so they can deliver a strong performance.

In the intercontinental play-off, Iraq will face the winner of the match between Bolivia and Suriname. The victor of the play-off will secure a place in the expanded 2026 World Cup tournament.

Iraq last appeared at the World Cup in FIFA World Cup 1986 and will be aiming to end a 39-year absence from the global tournament.

The team earned its place in the intercontinental play-off after a strong showing in the qualifiers, including a crucial 3–2 victory over the United Arab Emirates in the fifth round. That win secured Iraq’s position in the decisive play-off stage.

With preparations underway and travel arrangements finalised, Iraqi fans will now be hoping the national side can seize the opportunity and return to the World Cup stage after nearly four decades.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)