Iraq World Cup Play-Off: Coach Graham Arnold urges FIFA to delay March match due to Middle East travel disruptions from the US-Israel-Iran conflict

Iraq’s head coach, Graham Arnold, has called for the country’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off match to be postponed due to travel disruptions caused by escalating US-Israeli-Iran tensions.

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Arnold, who took over as Iraq’s manager in May 2025, stressed that restricted access to Iraqi airspace could prevent the national team from fielding its strongest squad for the inter-continental play-off scheduled for 31 March in Monterrey, Mexico.

“Iraq wouldn’t be able to play our best team, and we need our best team for the country’s biggest game in 40 years,” Arnold said. He noted that a short delay would allow proper preparation once travel conditions improve.

The Lions of Mesopotamia earned their spot in the play-off after defeating the United Arab Emirates 3-2 on aggregate in Asian qualifying.

Iraq will face the winner of the Bolivia vs Suriname match set for 26 March, with the victor securing a place at the 2026 World Cup, which will run from 11 June across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Arnold highlighted the emotional weight of qualification for Iraqi supporters.

“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.

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FIFA’s decision on the request could impact preparations for one of Iraq’s most significant football matches in decades.