"Because of airspace closures, our head coach, Graham Arnold, is unable to leave the United Arab Emirates. In addition, several embassies remain closed at the present time, preventing several professional players, technical and medical staff members from obtaining entry visas to Mexico."
"I really can't tell you who I think will win between Bolivia and Suriname but the most important thing is that we get things right with ourselves. We have to make sure that our preparation is right and that the players are fit and ready."
Iraq faces significant obstacles to its World Cup qualification playoff scheduled for March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico against Bolivia or Suriname. Head coach Graham Arnold is stranded in the United Arab Emirates due to airspace closures resulting from the Iran conflict. Additionally, multiple embassies remain closed, preventing professional players, technical staff, and medical personnel from obtaining entry visas to Mexico. The Iraqi soccer federation maintains constant communication with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation regarding participation arrangements. Iraq seeks its second World Cup appearance since 1986.
#world-cup-qualification #iraq-national-team #iran-conflict-impact #fifa-playoffs #travel-restrictions
Read at ESPN.com
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