Iraq’s place in the inter-confederation playoff in Mexico that will decide two World Cup berths is uncertain as travel disruption from the Middle East conflict mounts. Iraq are due to play the winners of the Bolivia–Suriname tie in Monterrey on March 31, but officials fear they may not be able to get the full delegation to Mexico.
Iraqi airspace has been closed since the United States and Israel launched air strikes on Iran last weekend. Iran replied with waves of missiles and drones directed at Israel and toward several Middle East bases where US forces are stationed. The closures and regional instability have created routing and visa problems for the team.
“We remain in close contact with both FIFA and the AFC, who are keeping tabs on the situation,” the Iraq national team said in a statement. It added that, because of airspace closures, head coach Graham Arnold is unable to leave the United Arab Emirates, and that several embassies remain closed, preventing players and technical and medical staff from obtaining entry visas to Mexico.
Iraq have appeared at one previous World Cup (1986) and are now among the favourites to win the playoff and become the ninth Asian representative at the finals. The Lions of Mesopotamia are ranked 58th by FIFA and seventh in Asia; they have won the AFC Asian Cup once and the Arab Cup seven times.
Elsewhere in the playoff structure, New Caledonia, Jamaica and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will travel to Guadalajara later this month to contest the other three-way playoff spot.
Iran, the first team to qualify for the World Cup, also faces uncertainty over its participation as Tehran remains embroiled in attacks and counterattacks involving Washington and regional foes. Iran is drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and is scheduled to play all its group matches on the US West Coast.
The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. The tournament opens on June 11 in Mexico, with Canada and the US hosting their first matches the following day, and concludes with the final on July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
