The US has refused visas to five players of the Iraqi national team, set to participate in the 2026 World Cup.
According to Goal, Iraq Football Federation official Qaleb al-Zameli revealed the names: Ibrahim Bayesh, Mohanad Ali, Zaid Tahsin, Haider Abdulkarim, and Ali al-Hamadi.
"So far, the reasons for this decision are unknown to us," the official said.
Al-Zameli stressed that the federation will appeal to FIFA to resolve the issue, as these players are key figures in the team.
Iraq will be participating in the World Cup for only the second time in its history. The team last appeared in 1986, failing to advance past the group stage.
The tournament will be held from June 11 to July 19 in the US, Canada, and Mexico. For the first time, 48 teams will compete. Iraq is in Group I alongside France, Senegal, and Norway.
