Iraq Coach Urges FIFA to Delay World Cup Playoff Due to War Strains

Graham Arnold, the coach of Iraq's national football team, has requested that the inter-confederation World Cup playoff scheduled in Mexico later this month be delayed, citing travel difficulties stemming from the conflict in neighboring Iran.

The Iraq team is worried that the current situation may hinder their ability to transport players and staff to Mexico for their anticipated match against either Bolivia or Suriname in Monterrey on March 31, given the travel restrictions across the Middle East.

Arnold expressed to the Australian Associated Press from his residence in the UAE, "It wouldn’t be our best team, and we need our best team available for the country’s biggest game in 40 years."

He added, "The Iraqi people are so passionate about the game of football that it is insane. The fact that they haven’t qualified for 40 years is probably the main reason I took this job."

Arnold further stated, "But at this stage, with the airport being shut down, we are working hard to try to find another alternative."

Iraqi airspace has been closed since February 28, following airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, with Iran responding by launching missiles and drones at Israel, Gulf states, and other immediate regions.

The match between Bolivia and Suriname is set for March 26 in Monterrey, with the winner then facing Iraq five days later in the playoff final.

In Arnold's view, a postponement by FIFA could allow for better preparation, saying, "If FIFA were to delay the game, it would give us time to prepare properly."

He proposed that Bolivia and Suriname compete this month, and suggested, "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."

Arnold noted the efforts of the Iraqi Football Federation's president, Adnan Dirjal, who is tirelessly working to fulfill the dreams of everyone in Iraq, emphasizing the need for a swift decision.

The World Cup is set to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.