Iraq Seeks World Cup Playoff Delay Amid Iran Conflict

Iraq’s national football team may face disruption in its inter-confederation World Cup playoff in Mexico later this month due to travel shutdowns caused by the escalating conflict in Iran.

The Iraqi Football Association is concerned that players and staff might not be able to reach Monterrey in time for their scheduled clash with the winner of Bolivia and Suriname on March 31, a match critical to Iraq’s first World Cup qualification since 1986.

Logistical Challenges and Contingency Planning

The closure of Iraqi airspace following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, and Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone attacks, has left the team scrambling for alternatives.

Officials are exploring ways to assemble a competitive squad despite the restrictions, while considering a request to FIFA for a rescheduled match that would allow Bolivia and Suriname to play first, with Iraq facing the winner closer to the World Cup finals.

The Iraqi Football Association emphasized that using only players based abroad could compromise the team’s chances, and federation leadership is working around the clock to ensure proper preparation. The World Cup finals are set to take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.

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Other playoff fixtures in Guadalajara later this month will see New Caledonia, Jamaica, and the Democratic Republic of Congo compete for World Cup qualification, highlighting the wider logistical challenges caused by regional instability.