Iraq coach Graham Arnold urges FIFA to delay team’s World Cup playoff because of the Iran war

Iraq's coach Graham Arnold calls on FIFA to postpone World Cup playoffs due to the Iran war and logistical challenges.

Iraq head coach Graham Arnold has issued an urgent plea to soccer’s international governing body to delay his team’s intercontinental qualifier for the World Cup because of disruptions caused by the escalating Iran war.

The Iraq squad faces major logistical issues ahead of a winner-takes-all playoff against either Suriname or Bolivia, scheduled for March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico.

With Iraqi airspace closed until April 1 due to the escalating conflict, Mr. Arnold’s squad — containing predominantly players from the domestic league — is unable to fully gather.

Players haven’t secured visas for the playoff tournament in Mexico due to foreign embassy closures, and Mr. Arnold is stranded in the United Arab Emirates due to the conflict.

“Please help us with this game because right now we are struggling to get our players out of the country of Iraq,” Mr. Arnold, a former coach of Australia’s national team, told the Australian Associated Press.

The turmoil has already forced the postponement of a planned training camp in Houston. Mr. Arnold said fielding a team comprised only of overseas-based players is not a viable option.