The fixture, set for 31 March in Monterrey, would see Iraq face either Bolivia or Suriname in the playoff tournament. However, preparations have been severely disrupted after the Iraqi Transport Ministry confirmed that the nation’s airspace will remain closed for the duration of the war, leaving a significant portion of the squad stranded in Baghdad.
About half of the team’s players are currently unable to leave the Iraqi capital, while head coach Graham Arnold is also unable to join the squad, as he remains in Dubai.
In discussions with FIFA, football’s global governing body reportedly suggested that the Iraqi squad could travel overland from Baghdad to Istanbul before boarding a flight to Mexico. The proposed route would require a journey of roughly 25 hours by road through northern parts of the country that have reportedly faced drone attacks since the conflict began.
Arnold is understood to have rejected the proposal on safety grounds, informing the Iraqi Football Association that he would not allow his players to undertake such a journey while hostilities persist.
Beyond the travel difficulties, visa issues have also complicated preparations. Several Iraqi players and staff members have yet to secure entry visas for Mexico or the United States, where the team had planned to hold a training camp in Houston ahead of the playoff.
The Iraqi FA is now pressing FIFA for a swift decision on the postponement request, hoping for clarity that would allow the team to plan accordingly.
Iraq has already qualified for one of the two finals in the six-team intercontinental playoff tournament, with their match scheduled to be the last fixture of the competition.
Meanwhile, a separate development could influence the situation. Iraq is viewed as the most likely replacement should neighbouring Iran withdraw from the World Cup because of the war, as they are the next highest-ranked team based on the Asian Football Confederation qualifying standings. ⚽