Iraq's coach, Graham Arnold, is calling for a postponement of the team's World Cup playoff match scheduled for later this month in Mexico. The request stems from widespread travel disruptions in the Middle East following recent escalations in the conflict involving Iran.
Arnold expressed concern that assembling a team solely with players based outside of Iraq would significantly diminish the nation's chances of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1986. He emphasized the need for the strongest possible squad for what he described as the country's most crucial game in 40 years.
Iraqi airspace has been closed since late February, complicating logistics for players and staff. Arnold is actively exploring alternative solutions with the Iraqi Football Federation president, Adnan Dirjal, who is working to facilitate the team's preparation and potentially fulfill the nation's World Cup aspirations.
The inter-confederation playoff involves a semi-final between Bolivia and Suriname, with the winner facing Iraq in the final. Arnold suggested a delay would allow for proper preparation and proposed playing the final a week before the World Cup finals, which are set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.