Iraq is scheduled to participate in the playoff finals to be held in Mexico on March 31st, but the team’s participation remains uncertain.
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Published March 5, 2026
Iraq’s participation in the inter-confederation play-offs in Mexico to decide two spots for this year’s World Cup is in doubt due to travel disruptions caused by the continuing conflict in the Middle East.
Iraq is scheduled to play the winner of Bolivia vs. Suriname in Monterrey on March 31 for a spot in the World Cup finals, but there are concerns that they will not be able to get everyone to Mexico.
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Iraq’s airspace has been closed since the United States and Israel began airstrikes against Iran over the weekend. The Iranian government responded by firing waves of missiles and drones at several military bases in the Middle East where Israeli and U.S. forces operate.
“FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation are fully aware of all developments regarding the team’s situation,” the Iraqi national team said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Due to airspace closures, head coach Graham Arnold is unable to leave the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, several embassies remain closed at this time, making it impossible for several players, technical and medical staff to obtain visas to enter Mexico.”
“We would like to assure our loyal supporters that we remain in close contact with both FIFA and AFC who are monitoring the situation.”
Iraq has participated in the World Cup once, in 1986, but did not advance beyond the group stage. They are currently the favorites to win the playoffs and become the 9th Asian team to reach the finals.
The Mesopotamian Lions are currently ranked 58th in FIFA’s team rankings and 7th in Asia.
They have won the AFC Asian Cup once and the Arab Cup seven times.
New Caledonia, Jamaica and the Democratic Republic of Congo will travel to Guadalajara later this month to compete in the other three-way play-off for a ticket to the World Cup finals.
Iran, the first team to qualify for the World Cup, feels it is in a precarious position with its qualification threatened as Tehran remains under attack from Washington.
The World Cup will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, with Iran scheduled to play in all group stage matches. However, if the conflict does not subside, the management of the Games and Iran’s role will be called into question.
The World Cup begins June 11 in Mexico, with Canada and the United States hosting their first match the following day. The finals will be held on July 19th in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York.
Iran is in Group G with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and will play all their games on the West Coast of the United States.
