World Cup: Iraq coach wants to postpone the playoff match amid the US-Israeli war with Iran

Graham Arnold, the Iraqi national team’s coach, said that the World Cup playoff later this month should be postponed amid the escalation of the US-Israel war with Iran.

The Iraqis are scheduled to face either Bolivia or Suriname in the Mexican city of Monterrey on March 31, with the winner of the inter-continental decider booking their place in the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada starting June 11.

But Iraq is concerned that it may not be able to transport its players and technical staff to Mexico to play the match due to travel disruption in the Middle East due to the conflict in neighboring Iran.

Iraqi airspace has been closed since February 28, when the first US-Israeli strikes began, and Iran responded by launching missiles and drones at Israel, the Gulf states, and other neighboring countries.

Arnold, who became Iraq’s coach in May 2025, said that forming a team that includes only players from outside Iraq will hinder the country’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1986.

“It’s not going to be our best team and we need our best team for the biggest match in the country in 40 years,” the Australian said.

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

He added, “But at this stage, with the airport closed, we are working hard to try to find another alternative.”