Iraq’s soccer team flies to World Cup playoff via Jordan as airspace stays shut

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s national soccer team will depart Jordan for Monterrey, Mexico on Saturday on a special FIFA-arranged flight, with the squad unable to fly directly from Baghdad due to the closure of Iraqi airspace now in its third week amid the regional war involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

The delegation is expected to be completed over the coming days with the arrival of players from European clubs following their domestic commitments.

Iraq booked its playoff spot with a dramatic 2-1 win over the United Arab Emirates in Basra, with Amir al-Ammari converting a penalty deep into 17 minutes of stoppage time after Mohanad Ali had headed in an equalizer. Under the draw, Iraq faces the winner of Bolivia vs. Suriname.

Victory would send Iraq to the World Cup for only the second time and the first in 40 years, having made its sole previous appearance at Mexico 1986. The 2026 edition is co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada. Iraq has been drawn into a potential group alongside France, Senegal and Norway.