GRAHAM ARNOLD , head coach of the Iraq national football team, has urged FIFA to postpone Iraq’s crucial inter-continental play-off for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The decisive match is scheduled for 31 March in Monterrey, Mexico. Iraq will face the winner of the play-off between Bolivia national football team and Suriname national football team. The victor will secure a spot in the World Cup tournament hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada starting on 11 June.
However, Iraq fears that travel disruptions caused by the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran could prevent players and staff from reaching Mexico.
Travel disruption raises concerns
Iraqi airspace has remained closed since 28 February. The closure followed the first strikes in the conflict, after which Iran launched missiles and drones toward Israel and several Gulf countries.
Arnold said the team could struggle to assemble its strongest squad if players based in Iraq cannot travel. According to him, relying only on players who play abroad would weaken the team in a crucial match.
“This would not be our best team,” Arnold explained. “We need our strongest squad for the country’s biggest game in decades.”
A historic opportunity for Iraq
Arnold took charge of Iraq in May 2025. He has repeatedly highlighted the country’s passion for football and the importance of qualifying for the World Cup.
Iraq last appeared at the World Cup in 1986. Arnold believes this play-off gives the nation its best chance in nearly forty years to return to the global stage.
“The Iraqi people love football deeply,” he said. “Their dream is to see the national team back at the World Cup.”
Alternative plan proposed
Arnold suggested that FIFA allow Bolivia and Suriname to play their scheduled match on 26 March. Iraq could then face the winner shortly before the World Cup begins in the United States.
Under this proposal, the winning team would stay in the country for the tournament, while the losing side would return home.
Meanwhile, Iraq’s football federation president, Adnan Dirjal, continues to work on travel arrangements and contingency plans.
BBC Sport has contacted FIFA for a response, but the organization has not yet issued an official comment.
