Iraq‘s quest for World Cup qualification faces significant hurdles due to the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has complicated visa issuances for the playoff tournament in Mexico. Additionally, the team’s head coach is currently stranded in the United Arab Emirates.
“Due to airspace restrictions, our head coach, Graham Arnold, cannot depart from the United Arab Emirates,” the Iraqi soccer federation announced via Instagram on Wednesday.
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“Moreover, numerous embassies remain closed at this time, hindering several professional players and members of the technical and medical staff from securing entry visas to Mexico.”
Iraq is set to compete against Bolivia or Suriname on March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico, for one of the remaining two qualification spots for the World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The federation stated that it is in “regular communication with FIFA regarding the arrangements for our national team’s participation” in the upcoming match, noting that the Asian Football Confederation is also “fully aware of our current situation.”
Iraq is aspiring to make its second appearance in a World Cup final, having last qualified in 1986.
If Iraq does not secure qualification through the playoff, they may have another opportunity should Iran be unable to participate due to ongoing U.S. and Israeli military actions in the region.
“We cannot expect to look forward to the World Cup with optimism,” stated Mehdi Taj, Iran’s top soccer official.
Should Iran withdraw—which remains uncertain—Iraq or the United Arab Emirates may be considered as replacements, given their ranking among the Asian teams qualifying.
However, FIFA’s legal guidelines are ambiguous, granting FIFA president Gianni Infantino broad authority to determine the course of action.
For now, Iraq’s best chance for qualification lies in winning the playoff later this month.
Arnold, who previously coached Australia in the 2022 World Cup, emphasized the importance of effective preparation for his team’s prospects.
“It’s tough to predict the outcome between Bolivia and Suriname, but what matters most is ensuring we’re ready,” he told FIFA.com. “We need to guarantee proper preparation so our players are fit and prepared.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.