BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) — Iraq’s hopes of qualifying for the World Cup have been affected by: iran war The players are unable to obtain visas for a playoff tournament in Mexico, and the team’s coach is stuck in the United Arab Emirates.
“Due to airspace closures, head coach Graham Arnold is unable to leave the United Arab Emirates,” the Iraq Football Federation said in a statement on Instagram on Wednesday. “Furthermore, several embassies remain closed at this time, preventing several professional athletes, technical and medical staff from obtaining visas to enter Mexico.”
Iraq is scheduled to play Bolivia or Suriname in Monterrey, Mexico, on March 31 for one of the last two spots at the World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The federation said it was “in constant contact with FIFA regarding arrangements regarding the participation of national teams” in the match. The Asian Football Confederation also said it was “fully aware of all developments regarding the team’s situation.”
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