Iran Conflict Disrupts Iraq’s World Cup Hopes Amid Visa and Airspace Blockades

In a striking illustration of how geopolitical conflict can undermine even the most apolitical arenas, Iraq’s national soccer team now finds its World Cup dreams imperiled—not on the field but by the fallout from Iran's ongoing war. With key embassies shuttered and critical airspace closed, Iraqi players and staff struggle to secure visas for their crucial playoff match in Mexico.The Iraqi Soccer Federation revealed that their head coach, Graham Arnold, remains stranded in the United Arab Emirates, unable to fly out due to the locked-down air corridors over Iranian-controlled regions. Meanwhile, several professional players and essential medical and technical personnel...