Iraq’s head coach Graham Arnold has appealed to FIFA to postpone the country’s World Cup intercontinental playoff due to disruptions caused by the US-Israel conflict with Iran.
The match, scheduled for March 31 in Mexico against either Suriname or Bolivia, faces logistical hurdles as Iraqi airspace remains closed and players cannot obtain visas because embassies are shut.
Arnold, stranded in the United Arab Emirates, said using only overseas-based players would weaken Iraq’s squad, risking its first World Cup qualification since 1986.
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He has suggested a delay to allow the team to fully assemble and prepare, while Iraqi football officials continue working to find alternatives to ensure the Lions of Mesopotamia can compete.
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