The South Korean national football team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, has arrived in Basra, Iraq, ahead of a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier against Iraq.

According to the Korea Football Association on Tuesday, the squad, including captain Son Heung-min, landed at around 5 p.m. local time on Monday amid extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 44 degrees Celsius.

Upon arrival, the players were transported to their hotel in bulletproof buses under police escort.

A draw in the match would secure South Korea’s 11th consecutive appearance in the World Cup finals.

Midfielder Lee Kang-in is set to join the team Tuesday after his UEFA Champions League win with PSG, with team training scheduled to begin afterward.

The match will kick off at 3:15 a.m. Korea Standard Time on June 6 at Basra International Stadium.