Iraq asks Fifa to postpone continental play-off final as a result of Middle East conflict

IRAQ has called on global footballing body Fifa to delay the planned World Cup inter-continental play-offs due to take place in Mexico later this month as a result of the escalating US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Between March 26 and 31, six nations are due to compete for two World Cup slots at an inter-continental play-off tournament taking place at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara and Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, with each venue hosting two fixtures. Participating nations include Bolivia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname.

Iraq’s head coach Graham Arnold, has called for the tournament to be postponed because of travel disruptions caused by the escalating Middle East conflict. Iraq, known as the Lions of Mesopotamia, are scheduled to face either Bolivia or Suriname in Monterrey, Mexico, on March 31 as they have a bye to the final.

Last month, Mr Arnold declared Iraq ready to shock the world being just one win away from a return to the global stage  four decades after their last appearance. He said: “We’re going to play without fear, shock the world and enjoy it.”

However, now, Iraqi officials are concerned that players and staff may struggle to travel to Mexico because of disruption across the Middle East linked to the conflict in neighbouring Iran. For starters, Iraqi airspace has been closed since 28 February, when US-Israeli strikes began and Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, Gulf states and other nearby countries.

Mr Arnold, who took over as Iraq’s manager in May 2025, said the situation could prevent the national team from assembling its strongest squad for the decisive match. He added that fielding a team made up only of players based outside Iraq, would weaken their chances of qualifying for the tournament.

“It wouldn’t be our best team and we need our best team for the country’s biggest game in 40 years. The Iraqi people are so passionate about the game that it is insane.

The fact that they haven’t qualified for 40 years is probably the main reason I took this job. But at this stage with the airport being shut down we are working hard to try and find another alternative,” he added.

Iraq earned their place in the inter-continental play-off after defeating the United Arab Emirates 3-2 on aggregate in the fifth round of Asian qualifying series last November. Bolivia will face Suriname in their inter-continental play-off semi-final on March 26 and the winner of that match is set to meet Iraq for a spot at the 2026 World Cup.

Mr Arnold said: “If Fifa was to delay the game it gives us time to prepare properly. Let Bolivia play Suriname this month and then a week before the World Cup, we play the winner in the US and the winner of that game stays on and the loser goes home."