IRAQ SEEKS WORLD CUP PLAY-OFF POSTPONEMENT DUE TO REGIONAL CONFLICT

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BY:TAJUDEEN AMINAT

Iraq’s head coach, Graham Arnold, has requested a postponement of the nation’s crucial World Cup play-off later this month due to travel disruptions stemming from the escalating US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

In late February, Arnold expressed confidence that Iraq is prepared to “shock the world,” as the Lions of Mesopotamia are just one victory away from returning to the World Cup stage for the first time in four decades.

“We’re going to play without fear, shock the world and enjoy it,” he said in an interview featured on FIFA’s official website.

Iraq is set to face either Bolivia or Suriname in Monterrey, Mexico, on 31 March.

The team that wins the inter‑continental play‑off will earn a spot at the 2026 World Cup, scheduled to begin on 11 June and be co‑hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. However, Iraqi officials are worried that players and staff may face difficulties travelling to Mexico because of widespread disruption across the Middle East linked to the conflict involving Iran, raising uncertainty over their ability to compete in the crucial qualifying match. (aol.com)

Iraqi airspace has been closed since 28 February, following US-Israeli strikes and Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone attacks on Israel, Gulf nations, and neighboring countries.

Graham Arnold, who was appointed Iraq’s manager in May 2025, warned that the ongoing situation might prevent the national team from bringing together its full-strength squad for the crucial play-off.

He added that relying solely on players based outside Iraq would significantly reduce their chances of securing qualification for the tournament.