Iraqi national team players, professionals in Gulf and European leagues, are awaiting official communications from the Iraqi Football Association, in preparation for the crucial encounter in the global playoff qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

According to press sources, the Iraqi Federation has tentatively set March 15 as the date for the start of the training camp for the decisive match. Work is currently underway to complete all administrative aspects to ensure an ideal preparation for the Lions of Mesopotamia ahead of this important event.

The sources explained that the camp will last for seven days, with a plan to hold it in Houston, USA. However, this option remains contingent on obtaining entry visas, a matter the federation is keen to resolve quickly to move on to securing a friendly match.

It added that if obtaining visas proves difficult, the Iraqi delegation will head directly to Mexico City to hold the camp there, coordinating for a trial match against one of the South American teams or a Mexican club if necessary.

The team will head to Monterrey, the location of the match, after the camp concludes, to acclimatize to the environment and prepare the players mentally and morally before facing the winner of the Bolivia vs. Suriname match.

Sources indicated that coach Graham Arnold will heavily rely on his initial list prepared earlier, while the federation will begin communicating with clubs of professional players in Europe and the Gulf to send official requests allowing their release before the start of the international break on the 23rd of next month.

The Iraqi team hopes to secure a ticket to the World Cup, as they are just one match away from achieving a long-awaited dream for Iraqi football fans.