World Cup clash could be postponed as Middle East conflict intensifiesIraq’s participation in the World Cup remains in major doubt as the conflict in the Middle East rages on and the national team’s boss has now spoken out on their upcoming playoffView 2 Images The World Cup takes place in the USA, Mexico and Canada this summer (Image: Getty Images)Iraq boss Graham Arnold has claimed that the nation’s World Cup play-off this month must be postponed. ‌But due to conflict in the Middle East amid the ongoing USA-Israel war with Iran, Iraq’s participation in the game is in major doubt. "Let Bolivia play Suriname this month and then a week before the World Cup, we play the winner in the US. While Iraq’s play-off is currently in doubt, Iran’s own participation in the World Cup is also in jeopardy. The Middle East nation have already qualified and have been drawn to face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in Group G.‌But the Iranian FA have already suggested that they might not play.

Source: Daily Mirror March 09, 2026 10:18 UTC