Iraq waives visa for Jordanian soccer fans ahead of World Cup qualifier in Basra

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has approved a visa waiver for Jordanian soccer fans traveling to Iraq to support their national team in an upcoming World Cup qualifier against Iraq. The match, set for Nov. 14 at Basra International Stadium, will allow Jordanian fans to enter Iraq ahead of game day.

Khaled Gabyan, the prime minister’s advisor for youth and sports affairs, confirmed the decision on the state-owned Al-Iraqiya channel, stating, “The prime minister’s approval for Jordanian fans to enter without visas is not restricted to the day of the match. Supporters of the Nashama [Jordanian national team] may arrive in Iraq before the event.”

The Iraq-Jordan match is part of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Iraq and Jordan, both tied at seven points in Group B, will face each other twice in the qualifiers: first in Basra on November 14 and again on June 10, 2025. Jordan currently ranks second in the group based on goal difference, with Iraq in third and South Korea leading the group with 10 points.

The Asian Football Confederation has appointed a Saudi officiating crew, led by referee Mohammed Al-Huwish, to oversee the game in Basra.