IRAQ head coach Graham Arnold has called on FIFA to support the federation as the escalating conflict between neighboring Iran, the United States and Israel could affect the team’s plans to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 40 years.
The Iraqi national team, widely known as the Lions of Mesopotamia, will face the winner of Suriname vs. Bolivia on March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico.
In a message published by the Iraqi federation in X, Arnold called on soccer’s governing body to come up with an alternative plan for Iraq’s crucial playoffs.
“A team made up entirely of players from outside Iraq is not our best team. We need to have the best squad for the most important game for this country in the last 40 years,” the coach said.
A team made up entirely of players outside of Iraq is not our best team.
Due to the closure of Iraqi airspace and travel restrictions due to the Middle East conflict, Arnold’s players and staff may not be able to arrive in time for the tournament.
“If FIFA postpones the games, we will have time to prepare properly. Bolivia will play Suriname this month, and a week before the World Cup we will play the winners in the United States,” he said.
“A decision with Iran will take more time.”
Airspace in Iraq and most Middle Eastern countries has been closed since February 28, when the United States and Israel attacked Iran and Tehran’s subsequent retaliation against targets across the region.
“In my opinion, it will give FIFA more time to decide what to do with Iran. If Iran pulls out, we will be in the World Cup and the United Arab Emirates, who won in the qualifiers, will also have an opportunity to prepare for a match against Bolivia or Suriname,” Arnold told the Australian Associated Press.
