Iraq request postponement of 2026 World Cup intercontinental play-off | OneFootball

Iraq have asked for their 2026 World Cup intercontinental play-off, scheduled in Mexico on 31 March, to be postponed, with a majority of players stranded in Baghdad due to the country’s airspace being closed amid war in the region.

According to The Guardian, the request followed a FIFA proposal for a 25-hour road journey to Türkiye, then a flight to Mexico, which Iraq rejected.

Reaching Türkiye by land would mean crossing northern Iraq, which has been hit by Iranian drones since the conflict began, a risk Australian coach Graham Arnold, currently stuck in Dubai, does not want his players to take.

Travel problems are compounded by visa delays for several Iraqi players and staff for Mexico and the United States, where a training camp had been planned before facing Suriname or Bolivia.

The Iraqi federation is lobbying FIFA for a swift decision.

Iraq are also among the candidates to replace Iran should Team Melli withdraw, as they are the highest-ranked side after AFC qualifying, and could yet be a future opponent for France.

Source: L'Équipe