The 2026 World Cup faces an unexpected scenario. Due to the war conflict in the Middle East, the Iraqi team could miss the intercontinental playoff to be held in Monterrey, Mexico.
The alarm was raised after an official statement from the Iraq Football Association, in which it was reported that several players and members of the coaching staff are stranded in countries affected by the crisis. The main concern revolves around the national team coach.
Graham Arnold stranded in the UAE
Coach Graham Arnold remains in the UAE unable to leave the country due to airspace closures. The Iraqi federation said the situation seriously complicates the team’s logistics ahead of the international fixture.
“Due to airspace closures, our head coach, Graham Arnold, is unable to leave the UAE. In addition, several embassies remain closed at this time, which prevents several professional players, as well as members of the coaching staff and medical staff, from obtaining entry visas to Mexico,” the organization said in its statement.
The federation also said it is “in constant contact with FIFA” to find administrative solutions to allow the Asian team to participate.
FIFA guarantees the play-off
Despite the uncertainty, FIFA insists that the intercontinental playoff will go ahead without a hitch. The world’s governing body said it is in communication with the federations involved to ensure that all matches go ahead as scheduled.
However, the schedule is tight and diplomatic complications could affect the preparation of the Iraqi team.
When would Iraq play?
Iraq earned their place in the intercontinental play-off thanks to their position in the FIFA rankings, which will allow them to play a single decisive match.
The match is scheduled for March 31 at the Estadio BBVA, known as the “Steel Giant”, in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon. The opponent will be the winner of the match between Bolivia and Suriname.
In Guadalajara, Jamaica and New Caledonia will face each other. The winner will then face Republic of Congo
An uncertain scenario
The political situation in the Middle East adds an external factor that could directly impact the road to the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
For now, Iraq’s participation hangs by a logistical and diplomatic thread. The resolution will have to come in a matter of days, as the playoffs are the last gateway to the World Cup and there is little room for manoeuvre.
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