Iraq's World Cup Dream in Peril: War in West Asia Threatens Play-off Participation

• Iraq's FIFA World Cup 2026 hopes are jeopardized by escalating conflict in West Asia, making travel for play-offs uncertain.
• The inter-confederation play-offs are scheduled for March 26-31 in Monterrey, Mexico.
• Iraq's airspace closure for four weeks means 40% of the squad cannot travel; an alternative road trip to Turkey is unsafe.
• Many players and staff lack visas for Mexico/US, with embassies closed due to conflict, hindering processing.
• FIFA insists play-offs will proceed as planned, despite crisis talks with the Iraq Football Association (IFA).