Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun issuing visas to Iraq's national team players ahead of their March 31 World Cup playoff match in Monterrey. The Iraqi squad faces significant logistical challenges due to airspace closures from the ongoing Iran war, preventing the team from gathering fully.

The visa processing began March 8 at the Mexican Embassy in Saudi Arabia, with additional players scheduled for processing at the Embassy in Qatar. The government has not disclosed how many players received visas or their identities. Iraq's coach Graham Arnold has requested FIFA postpone the final due to these travel complications.

With no Mexican embassy in Iraq, officials are coordinating with the Iraqi Embassy in Mexico to assist the team. Iraq's Houston training camp has already been postponed, adding to Arnold's preparation difficulties. The team will face the winner of the Suriname-Bolivia semifinal for a chance to qualify for their first World Cup since 1986.