Supporters of the Iraqi national team in Mexico face logistical and financial challenges before the anticipated match against Bolivia on Wednesday morning in Monterrey, as part of the final global playoff qualifying for the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The 'Lions of Mesopotamia' are looking to reach the finals for the second time in their history, following their first participation in Mexico in 1986, with the tournament scheduled to take place between June 11 and July 19.

According to the winwin website, a source in the Iraqi federation stated: 'The expected number of Iraqi fans attending could reach around five thousand in Monterrey, despite the difficulties encountered in securing tickets over the past few days.'

The source added: 'The estimate is not final because the quota allocated by FIFA was shared between the fans of both teams, with initial indications of allocating between 2000 and 2500 tickets for Iraq, while indicators suggest that the number of those wishing to attend currently exceeds this figure.'

The source explained that the Iraqi federation formally requested about a thousand additional tickets to support the Iraqi attendance, but faced obstacles related to financial transfers and electronic payment difficulties, preventing the completion of the process as planned. He added: 'About 500 additional tickets were secured and distributed to fan associations.'

According to the same source, there was difficulty in conducting bank transfers from within Iraq, which usually require 20–25 days, while the organizers required payment within no more than ten days, in addition to technical issues in using some Iraqi bank cards abroad.

He also pointed out that attempts to use cards through friends and acquaintances in the United States faced additional complications related to banking approvals and payment mechanisms between the United States and Mexico, as well as the known restrictions on transfers from within Iraq to abroad.

The source noted that these challenges directly affected the possibility of increasing the Iraqi audience's share despite the federation's desire to secure as many tickets as possible, suggesting that some fans might resort to the black market at doubled prices to ensure attendance.

On the other hand, Mexican media reported that a segment of the local audience was keen on buying tickets to support the Iraqi team against Bolivia and showed clear support for the players during training sessions and their tours in the city, which might give the 'Lions of Mesopotamia' an additional morale boost on a night expected to be decisive on the road to the World Cup dream.