Iraq Faces Danger of National Team Missing World Cup Playoff Due to Regional Tensions

Concerns are rising about the participation of the Iraqi national football team in the playoff qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, following the chaos caused by the conflict in neighboring Iran affecting international flight routes.

The Iraqi team was scheduled to face the winner of the Bolivia vs. Suriname match in Monterrey, Mexico, on March 31 to determine one of the qualifying spots for the finals, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.

The Iraqi Football Association stated in an official statement: "FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation are fully aware of the developments. However, the closure of airspace and the shutdown of some embassies have prevented head coach Graham Arnold and several players, along with the technical and medical staff, from traveling to Mexico."

This concern comes after a series of airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel on Iran, followed by an Iranian response with missiles and drones targeting Israel and Gulf countries, leading to a paralysis of regional air traffic.
Iraq, which has only participated in the World Cup once in 1986, is considered one of the top contenders for the global playoff, aiming to become the ninth among Asian teams in the finals.

For its part, the association confirmed that the team is in constant contact with FIFA and the Asian Confederation to ensure that all travel updates are monitored and to secure the team's participation if the weather and diplomatic situations improve.

It is worth noting that teams such as New Caledonia, Jamaica, and the Democratic Republic of Congo will also play playoff matches later this month to determine the qualifying spots for the World Cup.