Iraq Sends Team to Mexico on Private Jet for World Cup Playoff
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- Iraq FA arranged a private plane to fly the national team to Mexico for the World Cup inter-continental play-off, citing cooperation from FIFA despite closed Middle East airspace.
- FIFA directed secretary general Mattias Grafstrom to assist Iraq after president Gianni Infantino was informed of travel difficulties, facilitating the team’s departure plans.
- Iraq is set to play either Bolivia or Suriname in Monterrey on 31 March, with the winner qualifying for the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
- Adnan Dirjal confirmed Iraq had secured Mexican entry visas and that Europe-based players would join separately, urging focus on the match with 17 days remaining before departure.
- Iraq last qualified for the World Cup in 1986 and reached this play-off by defeating the United Arab Emirates 3-2 on aggregate in November’s final Asian qualifying round.
Why it matters: Iraq’s use of a private jet to bypass war-affected airspace marks a rare sports exception amid regional conflict, with FIFA’s direct involvement lowering logistical barriers that could have blocked a nation’s World Cup hopes. The 17-day timeline adds urgency to a dream long deferred for Iraqi fans.
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