Iraq coach urges FIFA to delay World Cup playoff amid US-Israel war on Iran

Graham Arnold says a delay to the March 31 fixture will allow the scattered members of his team to gather and prepare.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The head coach of Iraq's men's football team Graham Arnold has issued an urgent plea to FIFA to delay his team's intercontinental qualifier for the World Cup because of disruptions caused by the escalating Israel and United States war on Iran. Arnold says Iraqi players are unable to secure visas and gather for the March 31 playoff match in Mexico due to the conflict, putting Iraq's chances of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1986 in jeopardy.

Why it matters

The conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran has created major logistical challenges for the Iraqi national team, threatening their ability to field their best squad and compete for a coveted World Cup berth. This highlights the broader impact of geopolitical tensions on international sports competitions.

The details

With Iraqi airspace closed until April 1 due to the escalating conflict, Arnold's squad - containing predominantly players from the domestic league - will be unable to fully gather. Players haven't secured visas for the playoff tournament in Mexico due to foreign embassy closures, and Arnold is stranded in the United Arab Emirates due to the conflict. The turmoil has already forced the postponement of a planned training camp in Houston, US.

  • The World Cup take ‌place in the US, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
  • The playoff match between Iraq and either Suriname or Bolivia is scheduled for March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico.

The players

Graham Arnold

The head coach of Iraq's men's football team and a former coach of Australia's national team.

Adnan Dirjal

The president of the Iraqi football federation, who is working to find a solution to allow Iraq to compete in the World Cup playoff.

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What they’re saying

“Please help us with this game because right now we are struggling to get our players out of the country of Iraq.”

— Graham Arnold, Head coach of Iraq's national team (Australian Associated Press)

“In my opinion, if FIFA were to delay the game it gives us time to prepare properly. In my opinion, it also gives FIFA more time to decide what Iran is going to do.”

— Graham Arnold, Head coach of Iraq's national team (Australian Associated Press)

“The Iraqi people are so passionate about the game of football that it is insane. The fact that they haven't qualified for 40 years is probably the main reason I took this job.”

— Graham Arnold, Head coach of Iraq's national team (Australian Associated Press)

What’s next

Arnold has proposed a strategic delay to the playoffs schedule, suggesting FIFA allow Suriname and Bolivia to play their preliminary match this month but postponing the final playoff between the winner and Iraq until a week before the World Cup begins on June 11.

The takeaway

The escalating conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran has created significant logistical challenges for the Iraqi national team, threatening their ability to field their best squad and compete for a World Cup berth. This highlights the broader impact of geopolitical tensions on international sports competitions.