Iraq’s national team coach, Graham Arnold, has called for the postponement of the 2026 World Cup intercontinental playoff due to the recent difficulties facing the country.
Most of the Iraqi players have been unable to obtain visas to enter Mexico, the host country for the playoff.
Meanwhile, air traffic over Iraq has been suspended since February 28th due to the US-Israeli war with Iran.
“We may not be able to bring the players and staff to Mexico for the match because of the travel disruptions in the Middle East,” Arnold said on Monday.
He added, “Playing the playoff with a team composed solely of players based outside Iraq would jeopardize the country’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1986.”
He continued, “This won’t be our best team, and we need our best team for the biggest match in the country in 40 years.”
“The Iraqi people are incredibly passionate about the game,” he added. “Perhaps their failure to qualify for the tournament for 40 years is the main reason that motivated me to accept this job.”
It’s worth noting that Iraq will face the winner of the Suriname-Bolivia match in the World Cup intercontinental playoff final. Furthermore, Iraq’s participation in the 2026 World Cup remains a possibility if Iran officially withdraws from the competition.
