Instability in the Middle East due to war between the United States, Israel, and Iran has placed a World Cup play-off clash in doubt due to impacts on travel and administration. Iraq's ability to qualify for the World Cup is in doubt following the outbreak of war in the Middle East. Iraq is scheduled to compete in a play-off later this month.
Iraq faces significant travel issues that could stop its World Cup qualification efforts. The United States and Israel's strikes in Iran have led Iran to target US military bases in neighboring countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. Air travel has almost ground to a halt in the region due to the conflict.
Iraqi Airways and the Ministry of Transportation have informed the Iraqi national team that the country's airspace will remain closed for at least four weeks. It is reported that around 40% of the Iraqi squad would be left unable to travel due to the airspace closure. Iraq is set to face the winners of Bolivia vs Suriname in Monterrey, Mexico, on March 31 for a place at the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Mexico does not have an embassy in Baghdad, and alternatives in Qatar and the UAE are now closed. A number of Iraq's players and backroom staff have not yet received visas for Mexico or the United States. A training camp in Houston, Texas, had been planned for the Iraqi team.
The Iraq team confirmed they remain in communication about facilitating arrangements for the play-off. ' Furthermore, the team’s management clarifies that it continues to communicate with FIFA about the arrangements for the national team’s participation in the intercontinental playoff in light of recent security developments in the Middle East. ' Whether the play-off match will be postponed or relocated due to the travel disruptions is not yet determined.
The team continues to engage with football authorities as the March 31 date approaches.