Tensions rise as the head coach of the Iraqi national football team, Graham Arnold, has formally requested that FIFA postpone Iraq’s upcoming FIFA World Cup play-off match.
The game, currently set for March 31 in Monterrey, would see Iraq face either Bolivia or Suriname.
Arnold cited the ongoing regional tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which have made travel extremely challenging for the Iraqi team.
Since late February, Iraq has closed its airspace, making it difficult for many players and staff to travel and join the national squad.
“It wouldn’t be our best team, and we need our best team for the country’s biggest game in 40 years,” Arnold 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.”
Iraq secured their play-off spot after defeating the United Arab Emirates in an earlier match.
Arnold emphasized the importance of having the full squad available, noting that relying solely on players based abroad would make winning much more difficult.
The Iraqi Football Federation, alongside Arnold, is now appealing to FIFA to delay the match so the team can prepare adequately and field their strongest lineup.