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Iraq head coach Graham Arnold has urged FIFA to postpone the country’s decisive World Cup intercontinental play-off later this month, citing travel disruptions caused by the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
In late February, Arnold said Iraq were ready to “shock the world” as the Lions of Mesopotamia moved within one victory of returning to the global 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 published on the FIFA website.
Iraq are scheduled to face either Bolivia or Suriname in Monterrey, Mexico, on March 31. The winner of the intercontinental play-off will secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11.
However, the BBC reported on Monday that Iraqi officials fear players and staff could face difficulties travelling to Mexico due to disruptions across the Middle East linked to the conflict in neighbouring Iran.
Iraqi airspace has been closed since February 28 following strikes by the United States and Israel and retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran targeting Israel, Gulf states and other nearby countries.
Arnold, who took over as Iraq’s manager in May 2025, warned that the situation could prevent the team from assembling its strongest squad for the crucial encounter. According to him, relying solely on players based outside Iraq 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 World Cup qualification holds deep emotional significance for Iraqi fans.
“The Iraqi people are so passionate about the game that it is insane. The fact that they haven’t qualified for 40 years is probably the main reason I took this job,” he said.
“But at this stage, with the airport being shut down, we are working hard to try and find another alternative.”
Iraq secured their place in the intercontinental play-off after defeating the United Arab Emirates 3-2 on aggregate in the fifth round of Asian qualifying in November.
Bolivia will face Suriname in the play-off semi-final on March 26, with the winner set to meet Iraq for a place among the 48 teams at the 2026 World Cup.
Arnold suggested that a brief postponement would allow Iraq adequate time to prepare once travel conditions improve.
“If FIFA was to delay the game it gives us time to prepare properly,” he said.
“Let Bolivia play Suriname this month and then a week before the World Cup we play the winner in the US. The winner stays on and the loser goes home.
“Our federation’s president, Adnan Dirjal, is working round the clock trying to plan and prepare to make everyone in Iraq’s dream come true, so we need this decision made quickly.”
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