'Please Help Us': Iraq Coach Pleads FIFA To Reschedule WC Playoff Amid War Tensions

Last Updated:March 09, 2026, 18:37 IST

Iraq coach Graham Arnold urged FIFA to postpone Iraq’s 2026 World Cup playoff due to travel issues from the Iran conflict.

Iraq head coach Graham Arnold has urged FIFA to postpone Iraq’s crucial inter-confederation playoff match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing severe travel disruptions caused by the escalating conflict in neighbouring Iran.

Iraq are scheduled to face either Bolivia or Suriname in Monterrey, Mexico on March 31, but the national team is struggling to organise travel due to airspace closures and regional instability.

Speaking to the Australian Associated Press from the United Arab Emirates, Arnold made a direct appeal to football’s governing body.

“Please help us with this game because right now we are struggling to get our players out of the country of Iraq."

Travel Lockdown Creates Major Challenge

The situation has become particularly complicated because Iraqi airspace has been closed since the latest escalation in tensions across the region.

The closure followed air strikes launched by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28, after which Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, Gulf states and nearby regions.

With airports shut and flights disrupted, Iraq’s football authorities are scrambling to find alternative routes to get the squad to Mexico in time for the playoff.

“We Need Our Best Team"

Arnold warned that assembling a squad made up solely of players based outside Iraq would significantly weaken the team’s chances in what he described as the country’s most important match in decades.

“It wouldn’t be our best team, and we need our best team available for the country’s biggest game in 40 years."

The former Australia national soccer team boss also spoke about the emotional significance of the match for Iraqi supporters.

“The Iraqi people are so passionate about the game of football that it is insane. The fact that they haven’t qualified for 40 years is probably the main reason I took this job."

Iraq’s last appearance at the World Cup came in 1986, and victory in the playoff would put them one step closer to ending that long wait.

Federation Working Around the Clock

Arnold revealed that Adnan Dirjal, president of the Iraq Football Association, is urgently exploring solutions to ensure the team can travel and prepare properly.

“Our federation’s president, Adnan Dirjal, is working around the clock trying to plan and prepare to make everyone in Iraq’s dream come true, so we need this decision made quickly."

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada, is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19.

(with Reuters inputs)

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