Iraq stands one match away from a first World Cup appearance since 1986 after succeeding in Asia's qualifying tournament to reach the inter-confederation play-offs.
As one of the two highest-seeded teams in the bracket, Iraq needs to win a single game against the winner of Bolivia versus Suriname to secure a place at this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Iraq's match is scheduled for March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico, five days after Bolivia and Suriname meet at the same stadium.
Due to travel complications linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, however, uncertainty is clouding Iraq’s preparations as the nation's airspace has been closed and there are visa issues affecting Iraq's players and staff.
Against that background, Iraq's head coach Graham Arnold has publicly asked FIFA to reschedule the playoff game.
“Please help us with this game because right now we are struggling to get our players out of the country of Iraq,” Arnold said.
Added Arnold: “In my opinion, if FIFA were to delay the game, it gives us time to prepare properly. Let Bolivia play Suriname this month and then a week before the World Cup, we play the winner in the United States. The winner of that game stays on, and the loser goes home.”
Arnold said that members of the Iraq squad would be unable to leave the country before the scheduled match date because the country’s airspace is closed indefinitely
Iraq's coach went as far as trying to build his request around the uncertainty surrounding Iran’s status just three months from the start of the World Cup.
“It also gives FIFA more time to decide what Iran is going to do,” Arnold said. “If Iran withdraws, we go into the World Cup and it gives the UAE, who we beat in qualifying, the chance to prepare for either Bolivia or Suriname.”
According to The Guardian, FIFA proposed that Iraq's players travel by road from Baghdad to Istanbul before flying to Mexico, a plan Arnold rejected due to security concerns.
