Closed airspace and missing visas
©IMAGO
The conflict in Iran could now also have consequences for international football. The Iraqi national team is worried about taking part in the playoffs for the 2026 World Cup. According to the association, coach Graham Arnold is not allowed to leave the United Arab Emirates because of the closed airspace. In addition, the players and support staff had problems obtaining entry visas for the playoff duel in Mexico because the relevant embassies were closed.
The Iraqi selection is scheduled to play against Bolivia or Suriname on the night of April 1st German time for one of the last starting places for the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. According to its own information, the association is in constant contact with the world association FIFA and the Asian continental association. It would be only Iraq’s second participation in the world’s largest football tournament after 1986. Iraq has a squad value of 10.7 million euros and is ranked 58th in the FIFA world rankings. Bolivia and Suriname are ranked lower at 76 and 123, but have a higher squad value at 15.8 million and 27 million euros.
The Mexican Foreign Ministry said the difficulties were also related to the fact that Mexico does not have an embassy in Iraq. However, the Mexican representation in the United Arab Emirates is in contact with the Iraqi association. Visas could also be issued in European countries. The necessary names were requested to speed up the process. If qualification is successful, Iraq would start in Group I with France, Norway and Senegal (all groups).
