FIFA World Cup 2026 Playoffs: Iraq’s Participation in Doubt as Middle East Conflict Escalates

Participation of the Iraq National football team in the FIFA World Cup 2026 playoffs is in jeopardy as middle east conflict escalates further. Iraq will have to participate inter-confederation playoffs in Mexico, which will decide a berth at this year's World Cup. Now the game is in doubt because of travel chaos as airspace has been closed in the Gulf regions.

The Iraq team are scheduled to play the winners of an earlier match between Bolivia and Suriname in Monterrey on March 31 for a ⁠spot at the World Cup, but it is predicted that they might not be able to reach the venue in Mexico.

Iraqi airspace has been closed since the US and Israel launched missile strikes on Iran on Saturday, killing over 1,000 people to date. In retaliation, Tehran launched waves of missiles and drones at Israel and towards US military bases in the Middle East. 

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“FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation are fully aware of every development regarding our team’s situation,” the Iraq national team said in a statement on Wednesday. Graham Arnold, the head coach of the team, is unable to travel from the UAE, and embassies in the Middle East are closed at present, preventing several players, technical and medical staff from obtaining entry visas to Mexico.

“We assure our loyal supporters that we remain ⁠in close contact with both FIFA and the AFC, who are keeping tabs on the situation.” 

Iraq have made one previous appearance at the World Cup, in 1986, when they failed to progress from the group stage. ⁠They are now favourites to win the playoff and become the ninth Asian team to qualify for the finals.