Iraq coach Graham Arnold has described the team's journey to Mexico as 'very tough' after they were stranded due to the Mideast war and visa complications. The Lions of Mesopotamia face Bolivia in Monterrey on Tuesday for a place in the 2026 World Cup, their first since 1986.
Arnold was trapped in Fujairah, UAE, after Iranian missiles struck nearby, and later moved to Dubai but could not join the squad for days. Iraqi players were also stuck as the country's airspace closed, forcing officials to ask FIFA for a postponement. Visa issues arose because Mexico has no embassy in Iraq, but the Mexican foreign ministry resolved this by facilitating visas at other regional embassies.
The team eventually arrived in Monterrey on 21 March after a 25-hour journey via Portugal. 'It has been very tough 20 days for us, but it is an honour and a privilege to be here,' said Arnold, who previously guided Australia to the World Cup round of 16 in 2022.
Since arriving, the squad has adjusted to the climate and trained without incident, even interacting with local schoolchildren. 'I have been like a father figure this week,' Arnold added. To qualify, Iraq must beat Bolivia, who defeated Suriname 2-1 in the playoff semi-finals.
