Iraq coach wants World Cup play-off to be postponedImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Graham Arnold (right) managed Australia for six years before joining Iraq in 2025ByAdwaidh RajanBBC Sport journalistPublished1 hour agoIraq’s World Cup play-off decider later this month should be postponed amid the escalating US-Israeli war with Iran, says the team’s head coach Graham Arnold.The Iraqis are set to face either Bolivia or Suriname in the Mexican city of Monterrey on 31 March, with the winner of the inter-continental play-off booking their place in the 2026 World Cup to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada from 11 June.But Iraq are concerned they might not be able to get their players and staff over to Mexico for the match because of the travel disruption in the Middle East, triggered by the conflict in neighbouring Iran.Iraqi airspace has been closed since 28 February when the first US-Israeli strikes began and Iran responded by firing missiles and drones at Israel, Gulf states and other nearby countries.Arnold, who became Iraq manager in May 2025, stated putting together a team solely with players based outside Iraq would hinder the country’s chances of qualifying for their first World Cup since 1986.”It wouldn’t be our best team and we need our best team for the country’s biggest game in 40 years,” the Australian stated. “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.”Iran, the US, and a World Cup that starts in three months
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Published1 March
