In the latest development amid Middle East conflict disruptions first reported earlier this week, Iraq has formally asked FIFA to postpone its March 31 intercontinental World Cup playoff in Monterrey, Mexico, rejecting a hazardous 25-hour road journey proposed by the governing body. With airspace closed until at least April 1, much of the squad remains stranded in Baghdad, prompting coach Graham Arnold to push for a delay to assemble a full team for a potential first World Cup appearance in 40 years.
This follows initial challenges outlined after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, including embassy closures blocking visas and Arnold's stranding in the UAE. The playoff pits Iraq against the Bolivia-Suriname winner in the six-team intercontinental tournament for 2026 World Cup spots.
FIFA's road travel suggestion—from Baghdad to Istanbul through drone-attacked areas—was dismissed by Arnold, who is in Dubai. About half the squad, mostly domestic players, cannot leave Iraq, and several lack visas for Mexico or a planned Houston training camp, now postponed.
Arnold told AAP: "Please help us with this game because right now we are struggling to get our players out of the country of Iraq." He suggested letting Bolivia and Suriname play first, then hosting Iraq vs. the winner in the US a week before the finals—also addressing Iran's potential withdrawal, where Iraq could replace them per AFC rankings, with UAE taking Iraq's spot.
Iraqi Football Association president Adnan Dirjal is seeking a decision this week. Arnold stressed: "It wouldn't be our best team and we need our best team available for the country's biggest game in 40 years." The war has halted domestic matches, including in Erbil near a US airbase hit by missiles.
Iraq's last World Cup was 1986; Arnold, who guided Australia to the 2022 round of 16, cited the nation's football passion as motivation.
