MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun granting visas to players from Iraq‘s national team ahead of their World Cup playoff match scheduled for March 31 in Monterrey.
The Iraqi team is facing logistical issues because of disruptions caused by the Iran war.
“On March 8, some players were processed at the Mexican Embassy in Saudi Arabia, and tomorrow other people are scheduled to be processed at the Embassy in Qatar,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported in a statement late Monday.
The government did not specify the names or how many players were granted visas.
Iraq is set to face the winner of the playoff semifinal between Suriname and Bolivia for a spot in the World Cup.
Iraq head coach Graham Arnold has asked FIFA to postpone the final. With Iraqi airspace closed, Arnold’s squad — containing predominantly players from the domestic league — is unable to fully gather.
Mexico does not have an embassy in Iraq.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that it is in contact with the Iraqi Embassy in Mexico and that they are willing “to provide all necessary assistance in documenting the members of the Iraqi national team.”
Iraq’s prematch camp in Houston has already been postponed, with visa and travel uncertainty placing further strain on Arnold’s plans.
Iraq is seeking to qualify for its first World Cup since 1986.
Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.
