Iraq taking private plane to Mexico for World Cup play-off

Iraq will travel to Mexico by private plane for their World Cup play-off despite calls from coach Graham Arnold to postpone the match amid the US-Israeli war with Iran, the Iraqi Football Association’s president says.

Iraq are due to face either Bolivia or Suriname in Monterrey on 31 March, with the winner of the inter-continental play-off booking their place at the 2026 World Cup.

Airspace in the Middle East has been closed since 28 February when US-Israeli strikes began and Iran responded by firing missiles and drones at Israel, Gulf states and other nearby countries.

But in a video statement carried by the Iraqi News Agency, Iraq FA chief Adnan Dirjal said he had written to Fifa to explain the “difficulty of the journey” and world football’s governing body had been “co-operative”.

“[Fifa president Gianni] Infantino directed [Fifa secretary general] Mattias Grafstrom… to follow up and help overcome all difficulties to facilitate the departure of our national team to Mexico.

Iraq beat the United Arab Emirates 3-2 on aggregate in the fifth round of the World Cup qualifiers in Asia last November to book their place in the inter-continental play-off.

They are bidding to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986. This year’s tournament will be held in the USA, Mexico and Canada from 11 June.

Dirjal also confirmed Iraq had secured entry visas to Mexico with Europe-based players joining separately.

“My message to everyone: only 17 days remain, and we must focus and prepare for the match. We have one goal, which is qualifying for the World Cup,” Dirjal said.