Iraq’s World Cup play-off decider later this month should be postponed amid the escalating US-Israeli war with Iran, says the team’s head coach Graham Arnold.
The Iraqis are set to face either Bolivia or Suriname in the Mexican city of Monterrey on March 31, with the winner of the inter-continental play-off booking their place in the 2026 World Cup to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11.
But Iraq is concerned they might not be able to get their players and staff over to Mexico for the match because of the travel disruption in the Middle East, triggered by the conflict in neighbouring Iran.
Iraqi airspace has been closed since February 28, when the first US-Israeli strikes began, and Iran responded by firing missiles and drones at Israel, Gulf states, and other nearby countries.
Arnold, who became Iraq manager in May 2025, said putting together a team solely with players based outside Iraq would hinder the country’s chances of qualifying for their first World Cup since 1986.
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“It wouldn’t be our best team, and we need our best team for the country’s biggest game in 40 years,” the Australian 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.”
Iraq defeated the United Arab Emirates 3-2 on aggregate in the fifth round of the World Cup qualifiers in Asia last November to book their place in the inter-continental play-off.
