The viability of Iraq's World Cup 2026 play-off match is in question after the country's Ministry of Transport announced its airspace would remain closed due to ongoing conflict. This closure has left about one half of the Iraq national team members stranded in Baghdad, unable to depart by air. Additionally, Australian head coach Graham Arnold is currently unable to leave Dubai.

Following recent discussions, FIFA reportedly proposed an alternative: Iraq's players would travel overland from Baghdad to Istanbul, a journey of approximately 25 hours, before flying to Mexico. However, this route would traverse northern Iraq, an area that has experienced drone attacks from Iran since the conflict began. Coach Graham Arnold informed the Iraq Football Association (IFA) that he would not permit players to undertake such a road trip amidst the continuing hostilities.

Beyond the travel concerns, some Iraq players and coaching staff members have not yet received entry visas for Mexico or the United States. The team had planned to "base" in Houston, United States, prior to the match in Monterrey.

The IFA is urging FIFA to make a decision on the match postponement this week, seeking a clear preparation plan for the team. Iraq is scheduled to play a play-off match against the winner of the Bolivia - Suriname pairing in Monterrey, Mexico, on 31/3. This fixture is for one of the two final berths at the World Cup 2026, which is co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Iraq secured a spot in one of the two final matches of the six-team intercontinental play-off round, with their fixture being the last of this stage.

Iraq striker Aymen Hussein (number 18) scored the opening goal from a penalty in their 2-0 victory over Indonesia in the final match of Group F, second round of World Cup 2026 Asian qualifiers. Photo: IFA

Iraq has only participated in the World Cup one time, in 1986, where they lost all three group stage matches.

In a related development that could offer FIFA an alternative, Iraq is considered the frontrunner to replace Iran if the neighboring team withdraws from World Cup 2026 due to war. Iraq is currently the next highest-ranked team in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifying system.

Hong Duy (via Guardian)