The Iraq national football team confirmed on Wednesday that the upcoming FIFA Intercontinental Playoff matches will take place as scheduled on March 31 in Mexico.
“The management of the Iraqi national team confirms that it has today received an official confirmation from FIFA regarding the intercontinental play-off match qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The match is scheduled for March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico,” the statement said.
Mexico, together with the United States and Canada, is one of the three host countries for the FIFA World Cup from June 11 to July 19. The country as a whole, but especially Guadalajara, was rocked by the violence that followed the assassination of the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state, will host four group stage matches. Mexico City and the northeastern city of Monterrey will also host matches. In addition, Guadalajara and Monterrey will co-host the play-off tournament that will determine the final two teams to qualify for the World Cup at the end of March.
FIFA boss Gianni Infantino said this AFP last week he said he was “very reassured” about hosting matches in Mexico and that FIFA representatives would visit Mexico to assess security and mobility issues for the World Cup.
Iraq also stated that its coach, Graham Arnold, has been unable to join the team due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. “Due to the airspace closure, our head coach, Graham Arnold, is unable to leave the United Arab Emirates. In addition, several embassies currently remain closed, preventing several professional players, technical and medical staff from obtaining entry visas to Mexico.
«The team’s management makes it clear that it continues to communicate with FIFA regarding the arrangements for the national team’s participation in the intercontinental play-offs in light of the recent security developments in the Middle East. FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation are fully aware of any development regarding the situation of our team.»
“We assure our loyal supporters that we remain in close contact with both FIFA and the AFC who are monitoring the situation,” the statement said.
Published on March 4, 2026
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