MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has started issuing visas for members of Iraq’s national soccer team ahead of their World Cup playoff match slated for March 31 in Monterrey.
The Iraqi team is encountering logistical challenges due to disruptions resulting from the conflict in Iran.
“On March 8, several players received their visas at the Mexican Embassy in Saudi Arabia, and more are set to be processed at the Embassy in Qatar tomorrow,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release late Monday.
The government did not provide details on the identities or the number of players who have received visas.
Iraq will compete against the winner of the playoff semifinal between Suriname and Bolivia for a place in the World Cup.
Head coach Graham Arnold has requested FIFA to delay the match, as the closure of Iraqi airspace is hindering his squad—comprising mainly domestic league players—from convening fully.
There is no Mexican embassy located in Iraq.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned that it is in communication with the Iraqi Embassy in Mexico and is prepared “to provide all necessary assistance in organizing the documentation for the Iraqi national team members.”
Iraq’s pre-match training camp in Houston has already been postponed due to uncertainties regarding visas and travel, further complicating Arnold’s preparations.
Iraq aims to qualify for its first World Cup since 1986.
Information from The Associated Press was included in this report.