Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1139 EAT on Thursday 5 March 2026

Iraq’s participation in the inter-confederation playoffs in Mexico, which will decide the final two places at this year’s FIFA World Cup, has been thrown into doubt by travel disruption linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Iraq are due to face the winner of the earlier playoff between Bolivia and Suriname in Monterrey on March 31 for a place at the World Cup finals, but officials fear the travel turmoil could make it difficult for the full squad and staff to reach Mexico in time.

Airspace over Iraq has been closed since the United States and Israel launched air strikes on Iran last weekend. Tehran retaliated with waves of missiles and drones aimed at Israel and several military bases across the Middle East that host U.S. forces.

“FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation are fully informed about the latest developments affecting our team,” the Iraq national team said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Due to the closure of airspace, our head coach Graham Arnold is currently unable to leave the United Arab Emirates. In addition, several embassies remain closed, preventing a number of players, as well as technical and medical staff, from securing entry visas to Mexico.

“We would like to reassure our supporters that we remain in constant communication with FIFA and the AFC, both of whom are closely monitoring the situation.”

Iraq have appeared at the FIFA World Cup only once before — at the 1986 FIFA World Cup — when they exited at the group stage. They are now regarded as favourites to win the playoff and become the ninth Asian side to reach the finals.

Nicknamed the Lions of Mesopotamia, Iraq are currently ranked 58th in the FIFA rankings and seventh among Asian teams.

Iraq have won the AFC Asian Cup once and the Arab Cup on seven occasions.

Elsewhere, New Caledonia, Jamaica and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will travel to Guadalajara later this month to contest the other three-team playoff for a place at the FIFA World Cup finals.

Meanwhile, Iran, the first team to qualify for the World Cup, now face uncertainty over their participation as Tehran remains under attack from United States forces.

The World Cup will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, where Iran are scheduled to play all their group-stage matches. However, if the conflict continues, questions may arise over the tournament’s logistics and Iran’s role in it.

The tournament is set to begin on June 11 in Mexico, with Canada and the United States hosting their first matches the following day. The final will be staged on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, near New York City.

Iran have been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, and are scheduled to play all their matches on the U.S. West Coast.

Source: Aljazeera

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