40,000 tickets sold for Iraq's World Cup match

The Iraqi national team is undergoing its final preparations in Monterrey, Mexico, amidst a highly focused atmosphere, ahead of the crucial World Cup 2026 qualifying playoff final against Bolivia, scheduled for Wednesday. Reports indicate that all players are fully prepared at the team's training camp, with training sessions intensifying at the Campo de Atlético stadium. Coach Graham Arnold and his staff are working to enhance the players' physical and technical readiness before the highly anticipated match. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of tickets have already been sold. The goalkeeping position remains a point of contention between Fahad Talib, Ahmed Basil, and Kamil Saad, with the coaching staff yet to make a final decision. A decision is expected in the days leading up to the match. The coaching staff granted the players a short rest period as part of their recovery program, following an intensive 80-minute training session focused on tactical aspects and finalizing the starting lineup. The final squad is expected to be reduced by five players, in accordance with the regulations that limit the official roster to 23 players. On the organizational side, it was decided to appoint Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton to officiate the match, amidst global interest in the playoff, especially with FIFA President Gianni Infantino attending some of the matches, reflecting the event's importance. Defender Sulaka confirmed that the Iraqi national team is entering the match with great determination to achieve their global dream, while player Zaid Ismail emphasized that the team is in high spirits and that their primary goal is to bring joy to the fans and secure qualification despite the strength of their opponent.