A detailed press report

The Iraqi national team is heading to Mexico in preparation for the global playoff

The delegation of the Iraqi national team is preparing to leave the country next Friday, heading to the Mexican city of Monterrey via a private plane departing from Arar International Airport. This is part of the final preparations for the global playoff match qualifying for the 2026 World Cup finals, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The Iraqi Football Association had previously submitted an official request to the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) to postpone the global playoff match and hold it just one week before the start of the World Cup finals. However, the request was not approved, prompting the Iraqi federation to proceed with the match on the scheduled date against the winner of the Bolivia vs. Suriname match.

According to informed sources, the Iraqi national team delegation is expected to arrive in Monterrey on the 21st of this month. The coaching staff will give the players a day of rest after the long journey before starting their preparatory training for the anticipated match.

The sources added that the Iraqi team will enter an intensive training camp upon arrival in Mexico, which includes technical and physical training aimed at enhancing the players' readiness before the decisive match. Additionally, the coaching staff, led by Australian coach Graham Arnold, will study the potential opponent and analyze their playing style before the encounter.

The sources explained that the flight from Arar Airport to Monterrey could take between 16 to 20 hours of direct flying time, provided there are no additional stops. It is a long journey that requires a special recovery program to help the players quickly regain their readiness.

According to the program prepared by the team's technical and medical staff, the players will need about 72 hours to fully regain their readiness after arrival. The first day will be dedicated to rest and recovery sessions, the second day will see light activation training, and the third day will involve a return to full training.

In a related context, it is expected that the Iraqi national team players who are professionals in European leagues will join the team in Monterrey next Sunday. The full squad is expected to be complete by Monday, March 23rd, when full team training will begin with a strong focus on tactical aspects.

The coaching staff also plans to conduct an internal practice match among the national team players by dividing them into two groups. This is to assess the technical and physical readiness of all players before the crucial encounter.

At the same time, the Iraqi Football Association is considering organizing a friendly match against one of the Mexican clubs if a formal agreement is reached in the coming days. This would provide an additional opportunity for the players to test their readiness before the global playoff match.

The head coach of the Iraqi national team, Australian Graham Arnold, announced yesterday the official squad list for the Lions of Mesopotamia for the playoff match, which includes 26 players. The list saw the absence of the main goalkeeper Jalal Hassan due to a recent injury, as well as Al-Shorta Club player Ahmed Yahya, who will also be absent.