️ Iraq's chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup are under threat due to travel chaos triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The Iraqi national team is scheduled to play the winner of a tie between Bolivia and Suriname in Monterrey, Mexico, on March 31 for a spot at the tournament, but concerns are mounting that they may not be able to get their squad to Mexico in time.
️ Iraqi airspace has been closed since the United States and Israel launched air attacks on Iran last weekend. In response, Tehran fired waves of missiles and drones at Israel and toward several military bases in the Middle East where U.S. forces are stationed. The Iraq Football Association stated that FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) are fully aware of the developments regarding the team's situation.
️ Iraq's head coach, Graham Arnold, is unable to leave the United Arab Emirates due to the closure of air routes. Additionally, several embassies remain closed at present, preventing a number of players, technical, and medical staff from obtaining entry visas to Mexico. The team assured its supporters that it remains in close contact with both FIFA and the AFC, who are monitoring the situation closely.
️ Iraq has made only one previous appearance at the World Cup, in 1986, when they failed to progress from the group stage. They are now favorites to win the playoff and become the ninth Asian team to qualify for the finals. The Lions of Mesopotamia are currently ranked 58th in FIFA's team rankings and seventh in Asia, having won the AFC Asian Cup once and the Arab Cup on seven occasions.
️ In the other three-way playoff for a World Cup ticket, New Caledonia, Jamaica, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will travel to Guadalajara later this month. Iran, the first team to qualify for the World Cup, finds itself in a precarious position, with its participation threatened as Tehran remains under attack from Washington. Iran is scheduled to play all its group games on the U.S. West Coast, but if there is no letup in the conflict, the tournament's logistics and Iran's role in it have come into question.
️ The World Cup will begin on June 11 in Mexico, with Canada and the U.S. hosting their first matches the following day. The final will be played on July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York. Iran is in Group G of the tournament alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand, with all its games planned for the U.S. West Coast.
Source: www.aljazeera.com