Iraq coach wants World Cup play-off to be postponed

Graham Arnold (right) managed Australia for six years before joining Iraq in 2025 Iraq's World Cup play-off decider later this month should be postponed amid the escalating US-Israeli war with Iran, says the team's head coach Graham Arnold. The Iraqis are set to face either Bolivia or Suriname in the Mexican city of Monterrey on 31 March, with the winner of the inter-continental play-off booking their place in the 2026 World Cup to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada from 11 June. But Iraq are concerned they might not be able to get their players and staff over to Mexico for the match because of the travel disruption in the Middle East, triggered by the conflict in neighbouring Iran. Iraqi airspace has been closed since 28 February when the first US-Israeli strikes began and Iran responded by firing missiles and drones at Israel, Gulf states and other nearby countries. Arnold, who became Iraq manager in May 2025, said putting together a team solely with players based outside Iraq would hinder the country's chances of qualifying for their first World Cup since 1986. "It wouldn't be our best team and we need our best team for the country's biggest game in 40 years," the Australian said. "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." Iran, the US, and a World Cup that starts in three months Trump 'does not care' if Iran play at World Cup Mexico to deploy 100,000 security personnel for World Cup Australia urged to protect Iranian football team after Asian Cup elimination Iraq defeated the United Arab Emirates 3-2 on aggregate in the fifth round of the World Cup qualifiers in Asia last November to book their place in the inter-continental play-off. Bolivia face Suriname in their inter-continental play-off semi-final on 26 March, with the winners taking on Iraq for the right to join 47 other nations at the World Cup. "If Fifa was 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 US. The winner of that game stays on and the loser goes home. "Our federation's president Adnan Dirjal is working round the clock trying to plan and prepare to make everyone in Iraq's dream come true so we need this decision made quickly." BBC Sport has contacted Fifa for comment. Follow your club with BBC Sport Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Get football news sent straight to your phone Four big calls Borthwick could make to revive England Dolphins to release Tagovailoa at record £74m cost Will Wolves pull off the Premier League's greatest escape? Jessie Buckley on The Bride! and Oscar nominated Hamnet The Nations Pod Guide puts Rome in the centre The Mitford sisters refuse to play by the rules The highlights of Piano Room Month 2026 with Vernon Kay Four big calls Borthwick could make to revive England 'We've not moved on from Old Firm cup final 45 years ago' India triumphant again - do the rest have any hope of catching them? Five talking points from round four of Six Nations Watch Celtic beat Rangers on penalties to reach Scottish Cup semis. Video Watch Celtic beat Rangers on penalties to reach Scottish Cup semis 'England's style of play is tedious and doesn't allow players to express themselves' Randell makes history with five wickets in five balls Was new-era F1 really racing or more like a computer game? 'Fantastic French made to look ordinary as Scotland come of age' Russell 'imperious' and Bearman 'raced beautifully' - driver ratings Winter Paralympics daily guide: Six golds on offer on Monday 'I saw a drone hit the US consulate' - Patten's escape from Dubai Who is to blame for Spurs' chaotic descent towards relegation? 'Howard Webb, where are you?' - How we can stop VAR ruining football 'There were tears - but I had to peek behind curtain of head injuries in rugby' Iran, the US, and a World Cup that starts in three months Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.