BAGHDAD: Iraq will travel to Mexico at the end of the week ​for their World Cup playoff despite calls from ‌coach Graham Arnold to postpone the match as they are facing travel disruption due to the Middle East ​conflict, according to IFA president Adnan Dirjal.

Iraq are due to face ⁠either Bolivia or Suriname in Monterrey on ​March 31. Regional airspace has been closed since February ​28, when US and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the Middle East, grounding ​several flights.

Dirjal said in a video statement ​carried by the Iraqi News Agency that the federation had ‌written ⁠to world governing body FIFA to explain “the situation in the region and the difficulties facing the national team.” FIFA had been “cooperative” ​and helped overcome ​logistical obstacles.

He ⁠confirmed Iraq had secured entry visas and would fly on a chartered ​aircraft, with Europe-based players joining separately.

Arnold ​had ⁠urged FIFA to delay the playoff, warning that Iraq may not be able to assemble a full ⁠squad ​which would hurt their bid ​to qualify for the World Cup for the first time ​since 1986.

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