Iraq’s national football team may face a travel hurdle ahead of their decisive World Cup inter-continental play-off due to ongoing disruptions in the Middle East, head coach Graham Arnold has warned.
Arnold, who took over the team in May 2025, has called for the scheduled match later this month to be postponed, citing complications from the escalating US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Iraqi airspace has been closed since February 28, following missile and drone attacks by Iran in response to US-Israeli strikes.
The Lions of Mesopotamia are set to face the winner of the Bolivia vs. Suriname play-off in Monterrey, Mexico, on March 31. A win would secure Iraq’s first World Cup appearance in 40 years.
Arnold said travel restrictions could prevent the team from fielding their strongest squad, as relying solely on players based abroad would weaken their chances of qualifying. “It wouldn’t be our best team, and we need our best team for the country’s biggest game in 40 years,” he said.
The Australian coach added that the Iraqi people are deeply passionate about football, and the World Cup qualification carries enormous national significance. “If FIFA were to delay the game, it would give us time to prepare properly. Our federation’s president, Adnan Dirjal, is working round the clock to make everyone’s dream come true,” he said.
Iraq earned their play-off spot by defeating the United Arab Emirates 3-2 on aggregate in November. Bolivia and Suriname will face off on March 26, with the winner set to play Iraq for a place at the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Arnold emphasized that a short delay could allow Iraq to assemble its strongest squad and give the team the preparation time needed to compete at full strength.
