Iraq's National Football Team to Travel to Mexico for FIFA World Cup 2026 Play-off
Synopsis
Iraq's Football Association confirms the national team will fly to Monterrey, Mexico for the FIFA World Cup 2026 intercontinental play-off on March 31, despite regional travel challenges. The team aims to qualify for the World Cup after a long hiatus since 1986.
Key Takeaways
Iraq's national team will travel to Mexico for the FIFA World Cup 2026 play-off.
The match is set for March 31 in Monterrey.
Travel challenges are being addressed with a private flight .
Players have secured visas to enter Mexico.
The team aims to qualify for the World Cup after a 39-year absence .
Baghdad, March 15 (NationPress) The president of the Iraq Football Association, Adnan Dirjal, has officially announced that the national team is set to participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 intercontinental play-off, scheduled for March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico.
Since February 28, the airspace over the Middle East has been closed due to US-Israeli military actions, leading to retaliatory missile and drone strikes by Iran against neighboring countries.
In spite of these travel challenges, the Iraq football team will make their journey to Mexico via a private jet, with all players already receiving necessary visas for this crucial playoff.
“FIFA President Infantino has instructed Mattias Grafstrom, FIFA's Secretary General, to assist in resolving any travel issues to ensure our national team’s timely departure to Mexico,” said Dirjal, as reported by the BBC.
“The team is expected to leave for Mexico at the end of this week on a private aircraft,” he added.
Dirjal emphasized that the primary goal is to qualify for the prestigious multi-national tournament, urging players to maintain their focus.
“We have just 17 days left to prepare, and our singular aim is to qualify for the World Cup,” stated Dirjal.
“Thus, our dedicated focus at the Iraqi Football Association and among the coaching team is to create the best conditions for our players to prepare for this match and fulfill the dreams of Iraqi supporters,” he further explained.
In the playoffs, Iraq will compete against either Bolivia or Suriname, with the winner securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
Iraq's last World Cup appearance was in 1986, and they are eager to end a 39-year absence in this upcoming playoff.
The team performed admirably during the qualifiers, notably achieving a 3-2 victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the fifth round, which secured their position in the intercontinental play-off.
Point of View
The focus is on the resilience of the Iraq national football team amidst regional turmoil. This journey reflects their determination to qualify for the World Cup, showcasing the unyielding spirit of Iraqi sports despite external challenges.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Iraq's national team play in the World Cup play-off?
Iraq's national football team is scheduled to play in the FIFA World Cup 2026 intercontinental play-off on March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico.
Who will Iraq face in the playoffs?
Iraq will compete against either Bolivia or Suriname, with the winner securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
How is Iraq managing travel issues to Mexico?
Despite regional travel restrictions, the Iraq football team will travel to Mexico by private plane, and all players have received visas.
What is the significance of this play-off for Iraq?
This play-off is significant as it represents Iraq's chance to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986.
What recent achievements has Iraq's team accomplished?
Iraq's team achieved a notable 3-2 victory over the UAE in the qualifiers, securing their place in the intercontinental play-off.
