Travel chaos threatens Iraq’s participation in World Cup playoffs

Iraq’s participation in the inter-confederation playoffs in Mexico, which will decide two places at this year’s World Cup, is in doubt due to travel chaos triggered by conflict in neighboring Iran.

The Iraqis are due to face the winner of the previous meeting between Bolivia and Suriname in Monterrey on March 31 for a place in the World Cup final, but fear they will not be able to get everyone to Mexico.

Iraqi airspace ⁠ has been closed since the US and Israel launched it air attacks over Iran last weekend and the Islamic Republic responded by firing missiles and drones at Israel, the Gulf states and other countries.

“FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation are fully aware of any developments regarding the situation of our team,” the Iraqi national team said in a statement.

“Due to the airspace closure, our coach Graham Arnold is unable to leave the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, ‌several ⁠embassies currently remain closed, preventing several players, coaching and medical staff from obtaining entry visas to Mexico.

Iraqi airspace ⁠ has been closed since the US and Israel launched it air attacks over Iran last weekend and the Islamic Republic responded by firing missiles and drones at Israel, the Gulf states and other countries.

“FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation are fully aware of any developments regarding the situation of our team,” the Iraqi national team said in a statement.

“Due to the airspace closure, our coach Graham Arnold is unable to leave the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, ‌several ⁠embassies currently remain closed, preventing several players, coaching and medical staff from obtaining entry visas to Mexico.