Iraq coach urges FIFA to postpone World Cup playoff due to Iran war

Logistical issues and travel disruptions have made it difficult for Iraq to field its best team for the high-stakes qualifier.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Iraq's national team coach Graham Arnold has appealed to FIFA to postpone his team's intercontinental World Cup playoff match scheduled for March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico. Arnold cited major logistical challenges due to the ongoing war between Iran and Iraq, including closed airspace, embassy closures preventing players from securing visas, and the coach himself being stranded in the United Arab Emirates. Arnold proposed delaying the playoff to give Iraq more time to prepare its full-strength squad for the crucial match.

Why it matters

Iraq's qualification for the World Cup would be a major milestone for the country, which has not participated in the global tournament since 1986. However, the escalating conflict with Iran has created significant obstacles that threaten Iraq's ability to field a competitive team for the high-stakes playoff match.

The details

With Iraqi airspace closed until April 1 due to the Iran war, Arnold's squad of predominantly domestic league players has been unable to fully gather. Players have also struggled to secure visas for the playoff in Mexico due to foreign embassy closures. Additionally, Arnold himself is currently stranded in the UAE and unable to join the team. The turmoil has already forced the postponement of a planned training camp in Houston, and Arnold says fielding a team of only overseas-based players is not a viable option.

  • The Iraq-Suriname/Bolivia playoff is scheduled for March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico.
  • Iraqi airspace is closed until April 1 due to the escalating conflict with Iran.
  • Arnold has proposed delaying the playoff to a week before the World Cup begins, to give Iraq more time to prepare.

The players

Graham Arnold

The head coach of Iraq's national soccer team, who is currently stranded in the United Arab Emirates due to the war.

Adnan Dirjal

The president of Iraq's soccer federation, who is working to plan and prepare the team for the crucial World Cup playoff match.

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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, Iraq national team head coach (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, Iraq national team head coach (Australian Associated Press)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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