Iraq's World Cup intercontinental play-off in doubt amid Middle East war | OneFootball

Iraq, possible opponents for France at the World Cup, are unsure they can contest this month’s intercontinental play-off in Mexico because of the war in the Middle East.

"Playing the play-off in early June would give FIFA time to decide on Iran," said head coach Graham Arnold. "Let Bolivia face Suriname this month as planned and, a week before the World Cup, we play the winner in the United States, the winner stays, the loser goes home," he told Associated Press.

Appointed in May, Arnold’s side are due to play for a place in Group I, which includes France, on 31 March in Monterrey against the winner of Bolivia v Suriname, set five days earlier.

The Iraqi federation has asked for a postponement because national airspace is expected to stay closed for weeks and visas are a major hurdle. FIFA has offered no official comment, though travel via a third country such as Türkiye has been floated.

Arnold opposes a 20-hour coach trip from Baghdad to Ankara, which would pass through Erbil where a US base was bombed and drone strikes are frequent.

The federation has also ruled out a diaspora-only squad, insisting it needs its best players for what it considers its biggest match in 40 years. Iraq now await FIFA’s decision on the play-off and on Iran, and believe that if Iran withdraws or is excluded, not currently on the agenda, they should move to Group G with the United Arab Emirates taking the play-off berth.

Source: L'Équipe