The Iraqi Football Federation officially informed FIFA that its national team will not be able to travel to Mexico to play in the intercontinental playoff for the 2026 World Cup. The decision is due to the ongoing conflict in the region, which is complicating the team’s international travel.
The news came just days after the world football governing body confirmed that Iraq would have to play in the qualifying playoff to try and reach the next FIFA World Cup in 2026.
According to the news website Shafaq, the Iraqi federation informed FIFA on Friday that the national team will not be able to leave the country for at least the next month due to the security conditions stemming from the armed conflict affecting the area.
In this context, Ghalib Al-Zamili, one of the leading figures in Iraqi football, stated that they are awaiting an evaluation from the international organization to find a solution that addresses the current complex situation.
The official explained that the federation asked FIFA to consider postponing the playoff match or adopting another solution that would allow them to resolve the situation without jeopardizing the delegation.
According to information released by Iraqi media, FIFA President Gianni Infantino reportedly informed officials of the Asian federation that the organization would analyze the situation and issue an official statement in the coming hours.
Meanwhile, the playoff schedule stipulates that Iraq is to play the final on March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico, against the winner of the match between Bolivia and Suriname.
That preliminary match is scheduled for March 26, so the determination of their opponent in the final stage of the playoff now depends on FIFA’s decision, given the Iraqi team’s inability to travel amidst the ongoing conflict in the region.
Source: diez.bo
