Mexico, 11 March (H.S.): Mexico has begun issuing visas to Iraq's national football team players for the FIFA World Cup 2026 intercontinental playoff in Monterrey on March 31.

Mexico's Foreign Ministry confirmed that some players completed visa formalities on March 8 at the Mexican embassy in Saudi Arabia, with others and officials scheduled for March 10 at the Doha embassy in Qatar.

No exact numbers were disclosed, but the ministry pledged full support via the Iraqi embassy in Mexico.

Ongoing regional wars have disrupted travel, closing Iraqi airspace and scattering players—many in domestic leagues—hindering preparations. Iraq's coach Graham Arnold requested FIFA postpone the qualifier due to these logistics.

Iraq faces the winner of Suriname vs. Bolivia in the playoff; victory secures a Group I spot alongside France, Norway, and Senegal. The World Cup, hosted by USA, Mexico, and Canada, kicks off June 11, 2026.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar