Iraq has formally asked FIFA to delay its 2026 World Cup intercontinental playoff final, citing ongoing regional conflict that has disrupted travel and preparations for the team.
The Iraqi Football Association (IFA) reportedly submitted the request after rejecting FIFA’s proposal requiring players to endure a 25-hour road journey from Baghdad to Turkey before flying to Monterrey, Mexico, where the playoff is scheduled for March 31.
The situation is complicated by the Iraqi Transport Ministry’s announcement that national airspace will remain closed for at least four weeks. This has left roughly half of Iraq’s squad stranded in Baghdad, while head coach Graham Arnold remains stuck in Dubai due to suspended regional flights.
According to ESPN and Reuters, Arnold has strongly opposed any overland travel, citing serious safety concerns after recent drone and missile attacks in northern Iraq. He emphasized he would not “expose his players” to such risks and urged FIFA to make a swift decision to provide clarity for the team’s “most important match in 40 years.”
Adding to the logistical challenges, several players and support staff have not yet obtained visas for Mexico or the United States, disrupting a planned training camp in Houston. Arnold has proposed a revised schedule: allow the semi-final between Bolivia and Suriname to proceed this month, but move Iraq’s playoff final to June—just one week before the World Cup kicks off in North America.
In a related development, The Guardian reports that Iraq could also be in line to replace neighboring Iran in the World Cup finals if Iran is forced to withdraw or is suspended due to the ongoing war. As the next highest-ranked team in the Asian qualifying standings, Iraq would inherit Iran’s spot if they fail to qualify through the playoffs themselves.
As of March 9, FIFA has yet to respond officially to Iraq’s request for a postponement.
