Iraq national team coach Graham Arnold has urged FIFA to intervene as the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States threatens preparations for a crucial 2026 World Cup playoff that could send Iraq to its first tournament in 40 years.

Arnold said Iraq is struggling to move players and staff out of the country after Iraqi airspace was closed due to regional tensions, complicating preparations for the decisive match scheduled for March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico.

Iraq is set to face the winner of a playoff between Suriname and Bolivia, with the match determining whether the “Lions of Mesopotamia” qualify for their first World Cup since 1986.

Speaking to AAP from the United Arab Emirates, Arnold said the situation has severely disrupted training plans and called on FIFA to consider postponing the match.

“Please help us with this game because right now we are struggling to get our players out of the country of Iraq,” Arnold said.

According to Arnold, around 60 percent of Iraq’s squad plays in the domestic Iraqi league, leaving many key players and staff unable to travel while airports remain closed.

A planned training camp in Houston has already been postponed, and visa and travel complications have added further uncertainty to preparations.

Arnold suggested FIFA delay the match to allow Iraq time to assemble its full squad and prepare properly.
“In my opinion, if FIFA were to delay the game, it gives us time to prepare properly,” he said.
The coach also said the postponement could allow FIFA more time to determine Iran’s status in the 2026 World Cup, as the regional conflict continues to evolve.

Meanwhile, the global players’ union FIFPro urged authorities to prioritize player safety when deciding whether the match should proceed.

“The players’ safety should be the priority for everyone right now,” said Beau Busch, president of FIFPro for the Asia and Oceania confederations.
“If FIFA can’t help with this request, it will be extremely difficult to move our players and staff out of Iraq at short notice,” Arnold said.

Some domestic football matches in Iraq have also been affected by missile attacks in Erbil, where a U.S. airbase is located.

Arnold warned that fielding a team composed only of players based outside Iraq would weaken the squad for what he described as the country’s “biggest game in 40 years.”

“The Iraqi people are so passionate about football,” he said. “Helping Iraq reach the World Cup again was one of the main reasons I took this job.”