Iraq head coach Graham Arnold has issued an urgent plea to soccer's international governing body to delay his team's intercontinental qualifier for the World Cup because of disruptions caused by the escalating Iran war. Arnold 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. "If Iran withdraws we go into the World Cup, and it gives the UAE, who we beat in qualifying, the chance to prepare for either Bolivia or Suriname. Mehdi Taj, president of Iran’s football federation said, “What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope.”The US has had existing travel restrictions in place on Iranian citizens, but these would have been waived for World Cup participants.

Source: The Telegraph March 09, 2026 10:03 UTC