Graham Arnold, head coach of the Iraq national football team, has appealed to FIFA to postpone Iraq’s crucial World Cup play-off scheduled for later this month due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its impact on travel arrangements.
Iraq are currently preparing for a decisive intercontinental play-off that could secure them a place at the next FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The match is scheduled to take place in Monterrey, Mexico, on March 31.
The Iraqi side is set to face the winner of the upcoming play-off between the Bolivia national football team and the Suriname national football team.
However, the current regional crisis has created major logistical challenges for the Iraqi squad.
Arnold explained that Iraq’s preparations have been severely affected by travel restrictions after Iraqi airspace was closed on February 28 because of the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
The closure has made it extremely difficult for players and staff to travel to Mexico for the decisive match.
The former Australia national football team manager believes delaying the fixture would allow Iraq to properly assemble their squad and prepare for what he described as the nation’s most important football match in decades.
“In my opinion, if FIFA were to delay the game it gives us time to prepare properly,” Arnold said.
“Let Bolivia play Suriname this month and then a week before the World Cup we play the winner in the United States.
The winner stays on and the loser goes home.”
Arnold also suggested that postponing the match could give FIFA time to determine the situation involving Iran’s participation in global competitions.
If Iran were to withdraw, he believes it could potentially alter qualification scenarios.
He noted that the United Arab Emirates national football team—whom Iraq defeated during the qualification process—could also benefit from additional preparation time depending on how the situation unfolds.
Arnold stressed that Iraq must be able to field their strongest squad for such a historic fixture.According to him, assembling a team made up only of players based outside Iraq would significantly weaken the side.
“A team made up only of players from outside Iraq would not be our best team, and we need our best team available for the country’s biggest game in 40 years,” he said.
Iraq have not qualified for the FIFA World Cup since 1986, making the upcoming play-off a potentially historic opportunity for the football-mad nation.
Arnold praised Iraqi Football Association president Adnan Dirjal for working tirelessly to overcome the logistical challenges.
“Our federation’s president Adnan Dirjal is working around the clock trying to plan and prepare to make everyone in Iraq’s dream come true, so we need this decision to be made quickly,” Arnold added.
With airports currently closed and travel routes uncertain, the Iraqi team is exploring alternative options to ensure they can still compete.
Meanwhile, FIFA has yet to issue an official response regarding the request for a postponement, leaving Iraq’s World Cup hopes hanging in the balance as the March 31 play-off date approaches.