Mexico Grants Visas to Iraq National Team Players

Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun issuing visas to Iraqi national team players ahead of the World Cup intercontinental qualification slated for March 31 in Monterrey. The Iraqi squad is experiencing logistical difficulties due to setbacks created by the Iran war. "On March 8, some players were processed at the Mexican Embassy in Saudi Arabia, and other people are scheduled to be processed tomorrow at the Embassy in Qatar," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement late Monday. The government did not provide the names of the players or how many were granted visas.

Match Preparations and World Cup Qualification

Iraq will face the winner of the match between Suriname and Bolivia for a spot in the World Cup, where it will be grouped with France, Norway, and Senegal. Mexico, the United States, and Canada are co-hosting the World Cup, which begins on June 11. Iraq's head coach, Graham Arnold, has urged FIFA to postpone the intercontinental qualifier. With Iraqi airspace barred, Arnold's side, which is mostly made up of domestic league players, is unable to complete its preparations.

Diplomatic Support and Travel Challenges

Mexico does not have an embassy in Iraq. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further stated that it is in contact with the Iraqi Embassy in Mexico, which is eager "to provide all necessary assistance in documenting the members of the Iraqi national team."

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