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Iraq is set to face either Suriname or Bolivia in an intercontinental playoff final, in the match scheduled for March 31 in the Mexican city of Monterrey.
FIFA World Cup 2026 (AP)
Iraq will head to Mexico for a 2026 World Cup playoff match despite calls for postponement due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, the country’s football association announced on Saturday.
“The national team will depart at the end of the week to Mexico via a private plane,” stated Iraq football association president Adnan Dirjal. He added that they had reached out to FIFA to facilitate the trip amid regional conflicts that have disrupted flights.
“We succeeded in communicating with some of the clubs of our professional players to ensure their participation with the national team.”
Iraq is set to face either Suriname or Bolivia in an intercontinental playoff final, in the match scheduled for March 31 in the Mexican city of Monterrey.
The winner will join Group I, competing against France, Senegal, and Norway in the first round of this summer’s men’s tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The war, initiated by US-Israeli strikes on February 28, has placed Iran’s participation in the tournament in doubt.
US President Donald Trump warned on Thursday that the Iranian team’s “life and safety” would be at risk in the US, despite FIFA chief Gianni Infantino assuring they would be welcome at the tournament.
The conflict also raised concerns about Iraq’s participation due to travel disruptions, with the team’s manager requesting FIFA to postpone the playoff match.
Iraq’s head coach, Australian Graham Arnold, noted that many players and technical staff were stranded in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict.
(With Inputs From Agencies)
March 15, 2026, 12:54 IST
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