10.03.2026 13:10
The closure of Iraqi airspace due to the war that began with the attack of the US and Israel on Iran jeopardized the Iraqi National Team's ability to play in the World Cup playoff match.
The effects of the war that began with the attacks of the USA and Israel on Iran have also reflected in the world of sports. Due to the increasing security risks in the Middle East and the closed airspaces, the intercontinental play-off matches for the 2026 World Cup are in jeopardy.
IRAQ NATIONAL TEAM CANNOT LEAVE THE COUNTRY
Graham Arnold, the head coach of the Iraq National Team, stated that the Iraqi airspace has been closed due to the war and that the team is facing great difficulties in leaving the country. Because the airspace will be closed until April 1, the players and coaching staff of the Iraq National Team cannot come together.
Iraq will play a play-off match to qualify for the 2026 World Cup against the winner of the match between Suriname and Bolivia in Monterrey, Mexico, on March 31.
CALL FOR DELAY TO FIFA
Graham Arnold made an official call to FIFA due to the ongoing crisis. Speaking to CNN, Arnold said, "If there is insistence on playing the match in Mexico, we will have difficulty leaving Baghdad. About 60% of my players play in Iraq, and my coaching staff lives here. Our medical team is in Qatar, and we are currently having trouble obtaining a visa for Mexico. FIFA needs to make a quick decision." Arnold also expressed that it would not be fair to play the match on the scheduled date under the current conditions.
NEW DATE PROPOSAL
The Australian coach proposed that the match between Suriname and Bolivia be played as planned on March 26, and that the winning team face Iraq in the USA before the World Cup starting on June 11.