2026 World Cup: Iraq calls for playoff delay amid attacks from US

Iraq head coach Graham Arnold has appealed to FIFA to postpone his side’s intercontinental World Cup playoff scheduled for March 31 in Mexico, citing the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Ongoing drone and missile strikes have forced the closure of Iraqi airspace, creating significant travel disruptions and severely affecting the team’s preparations.

According to the Iraq Football Federation, Arnold is currently unable to leave the United Arab Emirates due to similar airspace restrictions across the region.

With Iraqi airspace not expected to reopen until April 1, just a day after the scheduled fixture, the team faces a race against time to resolve logistical challenges ahead of what is a crucial match. Iraq is set to face either Bolivia or Suriname, with a place at the FIFA World Cup at stake.

The situation has been further complicated by visa difficulties, as several players and staff members remain unable to secure entry permits to Mexico. The federation revealed that multiple embassies are currently closed, preventing key members of the delegation from completing the necessary documentation.

Although Mexico does not maintain an embassy in Iraq, authorities have indicated that their diplomatic mission in the United Arab Emirates is in contact with Iraqi officials. They have also suggested that visas could be processed through European countries as an alternative.

In an interview with AAP, Arnold made a direct appeal to football’s governing body, stating: “Please help us with this game because right now we are struggling to get our players out of the country of Iraq.”

The former Australia manager proposed postponing the match until June and relocating it to the United States to allow for better preparation and logistical coordination.

“In my opinion, if FIFA were to delay the game, it gives us time to prepare properly,” Arnold stated in his AAP interview. “Let Bolivia play Suriname this month and then a week before the World Cup, we play the winner in the U.S. — the winner of that game stays on and the loser goes home.”

Arnold also suggested that a delay would give FIFA more flexibility in addressing any potential developments involving Iran’s participation in the tournament. “If Iran withdraws, we go into the World Cup, and it gives the UAE, who we beat in qualifying, the chance to prepare for either Bolivia or Suriname,” he said.

FIFA has yet to issue a response to the request, leaving the Iraqi federation in suspense as they await a decision. The playoff remains a historic opportunity for Iraq, with qualification marking their first appearance at the World Cup since 1986, in what Arnold described as “The country’s biggest game in 40 years.”