Iraq’s participation in the inter-confederation playoff in Monterrey that will decide two World Cup places is in doubt as travel disruption from the Middle East conflict intensifies. Iraq are scheduled to play the winners of the Bolivia–Suriname tie on March 31, but officials say they may not be able to get the full delegation to Mexico.
Iraqi airspace has been closed since US and Israeli air strikes on Iran last weekend, and Tehran responded with waves of missiles and drones directed at Israel and at several bases in the region where US forces are deployed. Those airspace restrictions and the broader instability have produced routing challenges and visa complications for players, coaches and support staff.
The Iraq national team said it is in close contact with FIFA and the AFC as the situation evolves. The federation added that because of the closures, head coach Graham Arnold is unable to leave the United Arab Emirates, and that several embassies remain closed, preventing members of the squad and technical and medical teams from obtaining Mexican entry visas.
Iraq have appeared at one previous World Cup (1986) and are among the favourites to win their playoff and become Asia’s ninth 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.
In other inter-confederation action, 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 side to qualify for the 2026 finals, also faces uncertainty as Tehran remains embroiled in exchanges with regional foes and the United States. Iran are drawn in Group G with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and are due to play all their 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.