Iraq Coach Requests FIFA Intervention to Save World Cup 2026 Qualification Dream

Australian Graham Arnold, coach of the Iraqi national team, has made an urgent appeal to the International Football Federation (FIFA), asking for intervention to save the team's hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup amid the tense situation in the region.
Arnold explained that his team will play the playoff match against the winner of the Suriname vs. Bolivia match in Monterrey, Mexico, at the end of March, and that delaying the match would give the team the ideal time to prepare with the participation of their best players.

Difficulty Securing Iraqi Players

The coach pointed out that the team is facing significant difficulties in getting players out of Iraq due to the current circumstances, stressing that relying solely on professional players outside the country will not represent the best version of the team. He said:
"We need the best team available to us for the biggest match for Iraq in 40 years."
The Iraqi federation had previously requested to postpone the playoff match, but FIFA rejected the request, prompting Arnold to make a direct official appeal.

The Iraqi Dream of World Cup Qualification

The Iraqi national team aims to qualify for the second time in its history after the 1986 edition in Mexico, which is a significant popular dream after 40 years of waiting. The coach confirmed:
"Iraqis are a passionate football nation, and the dream of qualifying for the World Cup is tremendous, which is why I accepted this task despite its difficulties in the current circumstances."
The Iraqi team continues to monitor events, hoping that FIFA will give them a better preparatory opportunity before facing the decisive playoff match.