Baghdad, Iraq – Australian Graham Arnold, the coach of the Iraqi national team, has asked FIFA to postpone the World Cup 2026 qualifying playoff match due to logistical problems facing the team ahead of the anticipated encounter.
According to the Iraqi newspaper Al-Rafidain, the Iraqi national team faces significant challenges ahead of their playoff match scheduled for March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico. They are expected to face the winner of the Suriname-Bolivia match.
Travel and visa crises hit the Iraqi camp
The report explained that the national team is facing several travel and assembly challenges, particularly with the airspace closure until April 1st. This is hindering the arrival of professional players from the local league to the national team camp.
The players are also facing difficulties obtaining visas to travel to Mexico due to the closure of some embassies. Meanwhile, coach Graham Arnold is currently in the United Arab Emirates and unable to join the team.
Arnold requests FIFA support
Arnold told the newspaper that the Iraqi national team is currently facing difficult circumstances. He confirmed that the coaching staff is trying to find solutions for the players’ travel and to assemble the team before the crucial match.
The Australian coach added that postponing the match would give the team ample time to prepare better for the playoff, which he described as Iraq’s most important match in decades.
Qualification scenario in case of Iran’s withdrawal
Arnold also pointed to another possibility: Iran withdrawing from the tournament. This could give Iraq the opportunity to qualify directly for the World Cup instead.
In this case, the UAE national team may get the opportunity to play in the World Cup play-off against the winner of the match between Suriname and Bolivia.
Arnold concluded his remarks by emphasizing that Adnan Darjal, the president of the Iraqi Football Association, is working continuously to find quick solutions that will help the national team achieve its dream of qualifying for the World Cup.
