Iraq's World Cup play-off decider later this month should be postponed amid the escalating US-Israeli war with Iran, says the team's head coach Graham Arnold. Iraqi airspace has been closed since 28 February when the first US-Israeli strikes began and Iran responded by firing missiles and drones at Israel, Gulf states and other nearby countries. Arnold, who became Iraq manager in May 2025, said putting together a team solely with players based outside Iraq would hinder the country's chances of qualifying for their first World Cup since 1986. "It wouldn't be our best team and we need our best team for the country's biggest game in 40 years," the Australian said. "But at this stage with the airport being shut down we are working hard to try and find another alternative."

Source: BBC March 09, 2026 12:08 UTC