Mexico grants visas to some Iraq players for World Cup playoff

"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 government did not specify the names or how many players were granted visas."

"With Iraqi airspace closed, Arnold's squad -- containing predominantly players from the domestic league -- is unable to fully gather. Iraq head coach Graham Arnold has asked FIFA to postpone the final."

"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."

Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun granting visas to Iraq's national team players for a World Cup playoff match scheduled for March 31 in Monterrey. Iraq faces significant logistical challenges due to disruptions caused by the Iran war, with closed airspace preventing the team from fully assembling. Visa processing occurred at Mexican embassies in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Head coach Graham Arnold has requested FIFA postpone the final, as the squad consists predominantly of domestic league players unable to gather. Iraq's prematch camp in Houston has been postponed. Mexico lacks an embassy in Iraq but coordinates with the Iraqi Embassy in Mexico to provide necessary documentation assistance. Iraq seeks to qualify for its first World Cup since 1986.

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