Iraq Coach Requests Delay for World Cup Play-Off Due to Regional Conflict
Graham Arnold (right), who managed Australia for six years before taking over as Iraq's head coach in 2025, has called for the postponement of Iraq's upcoming World Cup play-off match amid escalating tensions in the Middle East involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
Iraq is scheduled to face either Bolivia or Suriname in Monterrey, Mexico, on 31 March. The winner of this inter-continental play-off will secure a place in the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada starting 11 June.
However, Iraq is facing concerns over the ability to travel to Mexico due to disruptions caused by the conflict in the region. Iraqi airspace has been closed since 28 February following initial US-Israeli strikes and Iran's retaliatory missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, Gulf states, and neighboring countries.
Arnold, appointed Iraq manager in May 2025, emphasized that assembling a squad solely from players based outside Iraq would weaken the team’s chances of qualifying for their first World Cup since 1986.
"It wouldn't be our best team and we need our best team for the country's biggest game in 40 years," the Australian coach said.
"The Iraqi people are so passionate about the game that it is insane. The fact that they haven't qualified for 40 years is probably the main reason I took this job.
"But at this stage with the airport being shut down we are working hard to try and find another alternative."
Context of Conflict and World Cup Preparations
The ongoing conflict has raised concerns about the safety and logistics surrounding the World Cup, which is set to begin in three months. Various reports have highlighted the geopolitical tensions affecting teams and fans alike.
- Trump 'does not care' if Iran play at World Cup
- Mexico to deploy 100,000 security personnel for World Cup
- Australia urged to protect Iranian football team after Asian Cup elimination
Iraq's Path to the Play-Off
Iraq secured their place in the inter-continental play-off by defeating the United Arab Emirates 3-2 on aggregate in the fifth round of the Asian qualifiers last November.
Meanwhile, Bolivia and Suriname are set to compete in their inter-continental play-off semi-final on 26 March. The winner of that match will face Iraq for the final World Cup spot.
"If Fifa was to delay the game it gives us time to prepare properly," Arnold stated.
"Let Bolivia play Suriname this month and then a week before the World Cup, we play the winner in the US. The winner of that game stays on and the loser goes home.
"Our federation's president Adnan Dirjal is working round the clock trying to plan and prepare to make everyone in Iraq's dream come true so we need this decision made quickly."
has reached out to FIFA for comment regarding the potential postponement.
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