Iraq’s national football team is facing an unprecedented challenge as war escalates in Iran, prompting head coach Graham Arnold to appeal to FIFA for a postponement of the team’s intercontinental World Cup playoff.
The decisive match, scheduled to be held on 31 March in Monterrey, Mexico, against either Suriname or Bolivia, now faces logistical hurdles as Iraqi airspace remains closed until 1 April.
The squad, largely composed of domestic league players, cannot fully assemble, and several players are struggling to secure visas due to embassy closures. Graham Arnold himself is stranded in the United Arab Emirates because of the regional instability.
“Please help us with this game, because right now we are struggling to get our players out of Iraq,” Graham Arnold told the Australian Associated Press. The conflict has already forced the cancellation of a training camp in Houston, and depending solely on overseas-based players would not allow Iraq to field its strongest lineup. “We need our best squad for the country’s biggest match in 40 years,” he added.
Graham Arnold proposed a strategic solution: allow Suriname and Bolivia to play their preliminary fixture as planned, but postpone Iraq’s final playoff to one week before the World Cup begins.
“This would give us adequate preparation time and allow FIFA to monitor the situation in Iran. If Iran withdraws, Iraq can still compete, while the UAE can prepare for either Bolivia or Suriname,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Iraq Football Association President Adnan Dirjal is reportedly working tirelessly to keep the nation’s World Cup hopes alive.
Graham Arnold emphasised that a swift decision from FIFA is vital to safeguard Iraq’s chances on the global stage.
