Iraq to Fly by Private Jet to Mexico for World Cup Play-off Despite Regional Airspace Crisis

The national football team of Iraq will travel to Mexico on a private aircraft ahead of their crucial World Cup inter-continental play-off, even after head coach Graham Arnold suggested the match should be delayed due to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

According to the president of the Iraqi Football Association, Adnan Dirjal, the team’s travel arrangements were adjusted after regional airspace closures made commercial flights difficult. The Iraqi squad is scheduled to play either Bolivia or Suriname in the city of Monterrey on 31 March, with the winner earning a spot in the upcoming World Cup tournament.

Airspace across parts of the Middle East has remained restricted since late February, when military strikes involving the United States and Israel triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks from Iran, affecting several nearby countries and making international travel complicated for national teams in the region.

In an official video statement released through the Iraqi News Agency, Dirjal explained that the football federation contacted FIFA to report the travel challenges. He said the organization responded positively and offered assistance to ensure the team could reach Mexico without further delay.

Dirjal stated that Gianni Infantino personally instructed FIFA secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom to follow the situation closely and support Iraq in overcoming the logistical difficulties connected to the journey. Because of this support, the national team is expected to depart using a chartered private plane before the end of the week.

Iraq secured their place in the inter-continental play-off after defeating the United Arab Emirates 3-2 on aggregate during the fifth round of the Asian qualifiers last November. The team is now aiming to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986.

The 2026 tournament, officially known as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will be hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with the competition scheduled to begin on 11 June.

Dirjal also confirmed that entry visas for Mexico have already been approved. Players based in European clubs will travel separately and join the squad before the match.

He emphasized that the team must remain fully focused as the play-off approaches, stating that only a few days remain for preparation. According to him, the federation and coaching staff are working to provide the best possible conditions so the players can concentrate on the decisive match and achieve qualification, which remains the biggest dream for Iraqi football supporters.