Iraq is scheduled to play in the playoff final on March 31 in Mexico, but the team’s participation remains uncertain.
Published March 5, 2026
Iraq’s participation in the inter-confederation qualifiers in Mexico that will decide two places for this year’s World Cup is in doubt due to travel chaos caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The Iraqis are scheduled to play the winners of an earlier tie between Bolivia and Suriname in Monterrey on March 31 for a place in the World Cup, but are worried they won’t be able to take everyone to Mexico.
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Iraqi airspace has been closed since the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran last weekend. Tehran responded by launching waves of missiles and drones at Israel and at several military bases in the Middle East where US forces operate.
“FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation are fully aware of all developments related to the situation of our team,” the Iraqi national team said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Due to the airspace closure, our coach Graham Arnold is unable to leave the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, several embassies remain closed at this time, preventing several players and technical and medical staff from obtaining entry visas to Mexico.
“We assure our loyal fans that we remain in close contact with both FIFA and the AFC, who are aware of the situation.”
Iraq already participated in a World Cup in 1986, when it failed to advance from the group stage. They are now favorites to win the playoffs and become the ninth Asian team to qualify for the final.
The Mesopotamian Lions are currently 58th in the FIFA team rankings and 7th in Asia.
They have won the Asian Cup once and the Arab Cup seven times.
New Caledonia, Jamaica and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will travel to Guadalajara later this month to compete in the other three-way playoff for a place in the World Cup final.
Iran, which was the first team to qualify for the World Cup, is in a precarious position with its participation threatened as Tehran remains under attack from Washington.
The World Cup will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, where Iran is scheduled to play all of its group matches. But if the conflict does not end, the logistics of the tournament and Iran’s role in it will be called into question.
The World Cup will begin on June 11 in Mexico, while Canada and the United States will host their first match the following day. The final will be played on July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York.
Iran is in Group G of the tournament with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and is scheduled to play all of its matches on the west coast of the United States.
