Iraq invites South Korea to four-nation tournament in Basra

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Iraqi Football Federation has formally invited South Korea to a four-nation international tournament scheduled for November in Basra, according to the federation. Organizers plan to hold the event in Basra rather than in the United States, with four teams taking part. Iraq and Iran are confirmed participants, while South Korea and either Jordan or Uzbekistan are expected to complete the field. One of those two countries will withdraw because Jordan and Uzbekistan were drawn into the same group at the Asian Cup final draw in Saudi Arabia, ruling out a joint appearance. The federation said the tournament was arranged in this format because coaching staffs prefer not to face direct opponents ahead of the Asian Cup. The Basra event falls within the pre-tournament preparation window for the Asian Cup. Both Jordan and Uzbekistan share their Asian Cup group with Bahrain and North Korea, the federation noted.