By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
Iraq’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup are facing an unexpected threat—not on the pitch, but far from it.
Just weeks before their decisive intercontinental playoff in Mexico, the national team’s preparations have descended into chaos due to visa complications, embassy closures and travel restrictions linked to the escalating regional crisis.
Head coach Graham Arnold is currently stranded in the United Arab Emirates, with reports indicating he fears for his safety as tensions continue to ripple across the region.
Multiple players and members of the Iraqi delegation have been unable to secure visas after diplomatic missions shut their doors, a development that has effectively paralysed the team’s travel arrangements.
Reports from The Guardian indicate the situation is further complicated by the absence of a Mexican embassy in Iraq. As a result, players and staff must apply for visas in neighbouring countries—an option that has become nearly impossible under the current travel restrictions.
Plans for a pre-playoff training camp in Houston were also abandoned after several squad members failed to obtain United States visas.
With the playoff fast approaching, officials now fear that even if Iraqi airspace reopens soon, bureaucratic delays could still prevent the squad from travelling to Mexico in time.
Iraq are scheduled to face the winner of a qualifying tie between Bolivia and Suriname for one of the final tickets to the expanded World Cup hosted by United States, Mexico and Canada.
The Iraqi Football Association is now in urgent discussions with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation to find a diplomatic or logistical solution.
But unless the travel crisis is resolved soon, Iraq’s World Cup dream could collapse before their players even step onto the field.
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