The ongoing conflict involving Iran is threatening Iraq’s chances of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as travel restrictions and diplomatic disruptions complicate preparations for a decisive qualifying playoff.
Iraq is scheduled to face either Bolivia or Suriname in an intercontinental playoff in Monterrey, Mexico, on March 31 for one of the final qualification spots in the tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. However, the regional conflict has created major logistical barriers for the Iraqi national team.
According to the Iraqi football federation, the closure of airspace and embassies in parts of the Middle East has prevented several players and staff from securing travel documents. “Because of airspace closures, our head coach, Graham Arnold, is unable to leave the United Arab Emirates,” the federation said, adding that embassy shutdowns have also stopped players and medical staff from obtaining visas to Mexico.
The situation has disrupted the team’s preparations and left the coaching staff scrambling for alternatives. Head coach Graham Arnold warned that Iraq might be forced to compete without its strongest squad if the situation continues. “It wouldn’t be our best team, and we need our best team available for the country’s biggest game in 40 years,” he said.
Arnold has asked FIFA to postpone the playoff, arguing that the conflict has made travel unsafe and preparation nearly impossible. Officials are also in discussions with the Asian Football Confederation as they seek a solution that would allow the team to compete fairly.
The stakes are high for Iraq, which has not appeared at a World Cup since 1986. If the travel and logistical challenges are not resolved in time, the turmoil linked to the Iran conflict could deny the team its best opportunity in decades to return to football’s biggest stage.
