Iraq coach urges FIFA to delay World Cup playoff amid US-Israel war on Iran

"Please help us with this game because right now we are struggling to get our players out of the country of Iraq, Arnold, a former coach of Australia's national team, told the Australian Associated Press on Sunday. The turmoil has already forced the postponement of a planned training camp in Houston, US."

"It wouldn't be our best team and we need our best team available for the country's biggest game in 40 years, Arnold said. He has proposed a strategic delay to the playoffs schedule, suggesting FIFA allow Suriname and Bolivia to play their preliminary match this month but postponing the final playoff until a week before the World Cup begins."

"In my opinion, if FIFA were to delay the game it gives us time to prepare properly, Arnold said. In my opinion, it also gives FIFA more time to decide what Iran is going to do."

Graham Arnold, head coach of Iraq's men's football team, has appealed to FIFA to postpone the intercontinental World Cup qualifier playoff scheduled for March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico. The escalating conflict has closed Iraqi airspace until April 1, preventing players from leaving the country and gathering for preparation. Additionally, foreign embassy closures have blocked visa processing for the playoff tournament. Arnold, currently stranded in the United Arab Emirates, emphasizes that most of his squad plays in the domestic league and cannot be assembled without airspace access. He proposes delaying the final playoff until a week before the World Cup begins in June, allowing Suriname and Bolivia to complete their preliminary match earlier. Arnold argues that assembling a team solely from players outside Iraq would compromise their chances in what he describes as the country's most significant match in 40 years.

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