Iraq is free to use the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium ahead of its match against the Philippines in the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on 26 March.

In a statement, the government sports agency refuted claims that it denied the Iraqis from using the facility as its training venue for their crucial match against the Filipinos.

In fact, the PSC is just waiting for the Philippine Football Federation to sign their contract before formally welcoming both sides to its training and competition facilities.

"The management of the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium clarifies that there have been no rejections and no problems are approaching on the day of the match. The contract about the rental of the venue is ready to be signed by the Philippine Football Federation," the PSC, which is headed by a former athlete in Richard "Dickie" Bachmann, said.

The PFF backed the PSC, saying that there's no truth to the rumors that the PSC shut the doors of its football field to the visiting Iraqis.

"The PFF would like to state that there is no truth to such claims. The PFF has already made all the necessary preparations to welcome our Iraqi guests, including finalizing arrangements with the PSC to have them train at RMS," the federation, which is headed by John Gutierrez, said.

"Rest assured, the PFF looks forward to hosting our guests from Iraq with the usual world-class Filipino hospitality."