Iraq Seeks World Cup Play-off Delay Over Regional Conflict
By Momodu Favour
Iraq national football team head coach, Graham Arnold has called on FIFA to postpone Iraq’s decisive inter-continental play-off for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing travel disruptions caused by the escalating conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
The Iraqi side, popularly known as the Lions of Mesopotamia, are scheduled to face the winner of the play-off semi-final between Bolivia national football team and Suriname national football team in Monterrey on March 31. The winner will secure one of the final spots at the 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada starting June 11.
However, Iraqi officials say the ongoing regional conflict has severely disrupted air travel across the Middle East, raising concerns about the national team’s ability to assemble its full squad for the crucial encounter.
According to reports by BBC on Monday, Iraqi airspace has remained closed since February 28 following missile and drone exchanges triggered by US-Israeli strikes and Iran’s retaliation across parts of the region.
Arnold warned that the restrictions could prevent several players and staff from travelling to Mexico in time for the match, potentially forcing Iraq to field a weakened team.
“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.
Arnold, who took charge of Iraq in May 2025, said qualification for the World Cup carries huge emotional importance for Iraqi supporters, as the country has not appeared at the tournament since the 1986 FIFA World Cup.
“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,” he said.
Iraq booked their place in the inter-continental play-off after defeating the United Arab Emirates national football team 3-2 on aggregate in the fifth round of Asian qualifying in November.
The semi-final between Bolivia and Suriname is scheduled for March 26, with the winner advancing to face Iraq for a place among the 48 teams competing at the expanded 2026 tournament.
Arnold suggested that a short delay to the decisive match would allow Iraq adequate time to prepare once travel conditions improve.
“If FIFA was to delay the game it gives us time to prepare properly,” he said.
“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.”
