The intercontinental playoffs for the 2026 World Cup, scheduled for March 23–31 in Guadalajara and Monterrey, Mexico, could face disruption due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the closure of several Middle Eastern airspaces.
Iraq, which is set to face the winner of the match between Suriname and Bolivia in the final of its playoff bracket on March 31 in Monterrey, is encountering significant logistical challenges.
The closure of Iraqi airspace, widespread flight cancellations across the region, and the shutdown of several embassies have complicated visa processing and prevented many squad members — particularly domestically based players — from travelling to Mexico.
Iraq national team coach Graham Arnold, alongside the Iraqi Football Federation, has formally asked FIFA to postpone the fixture, citing the difficulty of preparing and fielding a team under fair conditions.
The proposal suggests allowing the Suriname–Bolivia match to proceed as scheduled, while postponing Iraq’s playoff final to a date closer to the start of the 2026 tournament.
FIFA has yet to make a public decision but said it is “monitoring the situation closely” in coordination with the Iraqi federation and the Asian Football Confederation.
If Iraq’s request is approved, it remains unclear whether only its final would be affected or if adjustments would also be required for the other half of the playoff draw, which includes Jamaica, New Caledonia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
